The 2016 Rio Olympics had none of the predicted bad stuff that was tops in the news programs for several weeks before the games took place, but rather the city and country proved to be ready to host a delightful two weeks. The worst that happened was the embarrassment of Ryan Lochte and his foolishness — a behavior he will have a long time recovering from.
But the Olympics aren’t over. Beginning Sept. 7, the Paralympics will take place in Rio with athletes who are every bit as talented as those who just finished competing. In fact, many of them may be blessed with even more talent by overcoming handicaps, and showing the world the true “I can” spirit.
Many years ago, I was privileged to attend the Paralympics in Atlanta, and I was so impressed with all the competitors, especially their attitude toward themselves. It didn’t take long for me to stop focusing on their handicaps, but focus on the outstanding athletic abilities and their positive approach to life. Yep, it was another time I felt ashamed of myself for my petty whining when I was rubbing shoulders with such awesome men and women.
Once again, the NBC network will bring us the Olympics. However, instead of being broadcast on their “main” channel, the Paralympics will have us looking farther, as these games will be broadcast on NBCSN, the company’s sports network, which I think is a little sad. Now we’ll have to try and find the proper channel, rather than just click and find. And, although those of us who are specifically choosing to watch will find the right channel, when any one is channel surfing to see what is on, there would be more viewers who would stop, look and listen. But when it’s a seek and find activity, it will more likely be only viewers who are aware of the Paralympics.
We all could use a lesson from these young men and women. Although I am extremely thankful to the NBC network for covering the Paralympics, their pedestal is leaning some for having the Paralympics be less important and not worthy of belonging on their main channel. I hope you take the time to find NBCSN on Sept. 7 and take a look at the other group of great athletes, and watch some of their events too.
It took a long time before Vietnam War veterans were honored and recognized as military personnel who fought and died for our country. Now there is a way for anyone to find the names of any veteran who died in that conflict on the Vietnam virtual wall. If you would like to find someone you knew, are a history buff, or just are interested in realizing how many men and women lost their lives over there, please go to www.virtualwall.org/iStates.htm. You will be able to look at any state or city, and will be amazed at the hundreds and hundreds of names that are listed. It will make your heart hurt.
I really don’t expect anyone else to care, but when I misplace something I think is important, or it’s a “must find”, I waste so much time that I could get my shopping done, clean the whole house, read an entire book instead of looking and looking and looking — sometimes in the same place five different times. When my husband would say, “If you put it in the same place all the time, then you wouldn’t have to be looking all over for it,” I wanted to throw something at him. I still can hear him saying it from Heaven. It doesn’t matter that it would make sense to do that, but I’m always in a hurry, and I forget.
This past week, I misplaced an envelope of money from selling Delta Theta Tau calendars (a fundraiser by the sorority to help OE and other needed charities.) I was frantic, since having to replace the dollars with my own money would have been disastrous for me. When I finally tracked it down, I had put it in the glove compartment of the car, so I wouldn’t misplace it. So much for trying to be sensible. If you do things like me, raise your hand, and if you are smarter than that, I admire you for your easy way of living. Whichever side of the fence you’re on, I hope you have a great day because you deserve it. thanks for reading. Fly your flag.
More Top Picks Sealants