The greatest strength of America is her people – her real people – and it always has been. They are the powerful backbone that keeps this nation standing.
Our real-deal people are becoming more important every day in combating the ever growing obsession for power and wealth by America’s elite. Our nation is too greatly influenced by those who manipulate the system, stack the deck, and cheat at the game. This is becoming widespread and, worse, acceptable; it’s the standard operating procedure in business today and, sadly, on the rise as a life model.
Worse, it’s becoming commonplace for those who oppose it, who remain principled and magnanimous, to be assigned labels intended to be demeaning. Altruism and compassion are being used as signs of weakness, but, fortunately, America’s real people have the greatest collective heart and will not be intimidated.
Perhaps, we need to revisit the real winners in life, and what they strive to achieve, just to be reminded that wealth isn’t synonymous with greatness, and recently, I witnessed true greatness. At Lincoln Financial Field, where the Philadelphia Eagles usually fly, some of America’s greatest unknown winners soared. There were no uniforms or medals, no trophies and no anthem. There were only the hardworking hearts and hands of some of America’s daily heroes. Flooding over the luxury field and painted yard lines were the devoted and impressive, real heroes who love and care for people with autism. The display of devotion and patience was deeply impressive, but those afflicted also teach us about those, and about heroism. I felt humbled among them.
Nearly two decades ago, here at Chatterbox, we talked about those with special needs … these angels among us. They remind us to remember our blessings, because we meet our daily challenges with many abilities intact. They face their daily challenges and push their limits, through their restrictions. Living with diverse needs, they wrestle with many things that most of us do effortlessly. We know work. They know challenge.
All those with unique disorders and their caregivers are warriors in the game called “Life” – and winning has nothing to do with fame, glory or even money. Rising to their challenges, they encourage us. With their unprejudiced love, they inspire us. Accepting their reality with commitment, they show us tenacity. With their perseverance, they exemplify the greatest of human qualities. With their modesty, they teach us humility.
Their elation in every joy or accomplishment, their gratitude for each grace, each kindness received, and every joy allowed, they show us the true treasures in life. They teach us to be positive and perseverant.
If we get to know them, love them, care about them or tend to them, we can be swathed in their light. The Linc was filled with that radiant light recently at the “Huddle Up for Autism” event. Huddle Up is an initiative of the Philadelphia Eagles Autism Foundation benefiting the Center for Autism Research at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. It presented a magical day for people with autism and their families/caregivers, generating fun for them and funds for CHOP’s research into autism. According to the Center for Disease Control, it now affects about 1 in 39 people.
The reveling was food for the heart. Moreover, throughout the entire day, no one seemed unhappy, angry, or self-indulgent. The day was filled with an exchange of love, caring, fun and friendship for all. Even young children waited on line to run the team’s obstacle course, attempt field goals, tour the locker room, or take photos with team mascots. The joy and gratitude for the day’s opportunities were palpable.
Learning more about, being receptive to, or knowing and loving any special needs person is a lesson in many imperative skills of life, all of which are great assets for anyone to have. Mostly, what we should take away from such a day of learning and awareness, of unconditional kindness, loving, giving and respecting any special individual, is that it makes us all more of what we are meant to be, as individuals and to each other, every day.
If the Eagles’ stadium was any indication, there can be no doubt that we need to live with aspirations of humanitarianism and compassion instead of expectations of wealth and privilege. We can find fulfillment in the joy in being about helping one another …
… on a level playing field, caring about one another and feeling the light.
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