It was almost six years ago when I found myself on Thomas Rd in Phoenix, Arizona running beside my 17 year old brother along with about a hundred other famiy and friends, as well as the relay officials. It was almost seven years ago I submitted an essay to the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic counsel recommending my brother to carry the Olympic torch as it passes through Arizona.
When I decided to write such an essay the words almost came effortlessly. There were so many things to say about my brother. If I can remember correctly the theme of my essay was my brother, Kyle, being my hero. I spoke of his many "set backs" as a child being hospitalized many times but always staying strong. The last thing my brother wanted was to see his family sad. I explained how I found my brother to be an absoultely extraordinary guy who wanted to make sure everyone around him was as joyful as he was. I spoke of my brother as truly being thankful to be alive, "healthy", and happy. To this day I would most likely write the exact same essay however probably with bigger words and less grammatical errors.
Once my brother recieved his letter of nomination (about 6 months prior to race day) the process began. There were multiple newspaper articles, relay meetings, and "torch fittings" that had to occur as well as notifying all the family and friends of the good news. Throughout the whole process, my brother continued to be genuinely thankful for such opportunities and always gave the reporter his signature thumbs up! It was an early February morning when we arrived at the grocery store parking lot with about 10 other relay participants all with their own story. As the race came closer Kyle was taken to his section of the race. I remember so vividly the moment when the torch was passed from the previous racer to my brother and off my brother went moving those wheels as fast as he could for that quarter of a mile. The smile on his face was undescribable. My joy overwhelmed me as my mom's did as well. The family, in tears of joy, as Kyle passed the flame to the next racer with a high-5 and thumbs up!
Such an event will be engraved in my mind forever. I am so extremely proud of my brother. So extremely grateful to have such an exceptional man in my life. Self pity isn't in my brother's vocabulary. However, such words as courage and perserverence are. Kyle considers life to be full of adventures. No matter how big or small, Kyle faces them head on. 
6 comments:
Wow. Thats a really cool thing of you to do. I really enjoyed reading this.
Carly I don’t know what else to say other than that is an incredible blog! PP
Thanks for sharing and reminding me about perspective and gratitude.
Oh my goodness. I got chills reading your blog. I could only imagine what it was like for you all to be there waiting for him to pass the torch and how proud your parents must have been!! That is truly a remarkable story. One question though...if you dont mind me asking...what is wrong with your brother? If that's not too personal....
Carly,this blog is incredible. I am like preston speechless. It must have been and amazing experiance to watch and feel.
I really liked your post. My fiancee is studying to be a Special Education teacher and we were wondering how to get involved in volunteering for the Special Olympics and the events that happen in flagstaff. Maybe you might have more information for us. The SO website is vague and hard to navigate. Anyway, I applaud you and your family for supporting him in the Olympics. From what I've heard, they are pretty competitive.
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