BalekFekete
Shared on Thu, 02/15/2007 - 08:21It’s something that I am on the constant lookout for – something to inspire me. I’m sure I’m not alone in this. We all want, hell I think need is a better word, something from time to time that keeps us going, that gives us a feeling that there is a reason for whatever toils we drudge through on a daily basis. I’ve been lucky enough to have two come to light in the past 12 hours.
First was from the Valentine’s Day movie my wife and I decided to finally get around to watching after putting the kids to bed. The movie was Invincible. For those that do not know it, it is the real life story of Vince Papale – a honest-to-goodness “average Joe” from Philadelphia back in the late 70s who had the courage to follow his heart and a dream. Most of us were kids, barely old enough to remember, but times were tough in Philadelphia then. Unemployment was spiraling out of control, the standard of living was declining, and probably worst to those in the city…the Eagles sucked. The city’s last chalice of hope was dry. So, as the story goes, Dick Vermeil comes in to help turn the team around. One of his first hopes in bringing back some pride and enthusiasm to the city is to do something insane – hold open tryouts for the team. But it gave Vince a chance at the dream…to take the talent he had and was squandering on the backlot football field with his barroom friends and put it to use. At the end of the day, he makes the team, and helps give the city an idea…that everyone has potential, they just have to find it.
Yes, it was a very formulaic movie. But who cares! I certainly didn’t. The story is true to life, and still can impart the same feeling that came to be back when it was happening live and unedited. Message I took away from it – Don’t underestimate yourself…you can make a difference.
Then we have this morning…as I moaned and groaned along on the Elliptical of Death™ with the Today® show playing in the background. As I’m just finishing up on the program, up comes a story I recognized. It’s the story of Jason McElwain, the autistic boy who showed a high school team and community what is possible when you believe. A 17-year old senior and “manager” of the Greece Athena High School Basketball team was given the chance to play one year ago today – and play he did. In 4 minutes, he scored 20 points and rallied his team to win their final home game of the year, and his high school career.
The same message rang in my ears again this morning. Don’t underestimate yourself…you can make a difference. This young man helped inspire a nation that day, not just his team. He was given a chance, and took it with both hands and ran with it. It’s something we all need to do every chance we get.
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Submitted by Devonsangel on Thu, 02/15/2007 - 08:26
Submitted by TheCrazyPerson on Thu, 02/15/2007 - 08:30