{WiNNeRs!}

Andrew's life includes a lot of necessary things that most children can't comprehend.  They cannot understand the medical necessity of oxygen, puffers, pick line for feeding, doctor's appointments, and the list goes on and on.  However, I have been shocked at the true, genuine, kindness that has been bestowed upon Andrew with so many peers.  Friends instead of playing football pushed him in his wheelchair.  Always, someone there with him and his oxygen tank, he is never alone.  He has friends wanting to play games that he is capable of participating in.  True Kindness that I really didn't expect or think a child was capable of showing.

Andrew has been participating in basketball.  He pretty much walks back and forth and trust me it is VERY DIFFICULT for him.  He NEVER complains but goes out there with an amazing attitude, knowing that he is accomplishing something HUGE.  He doesn't get the ball very often, and he spends most of his time at center court turning back and forth, as his friends run up and down the court.  On February 15 it was different, we had the pleasure of playing a team from our neighborhood, a team who is very good for their age, who spends a lot of time practicing.  They were aggressive, great with blocking, and running plays.  Andrew was matched up with a boy his same height who was very respectful of him.  This young man (and I know who he is...)  showed Andrew a level of kindness and respect that was beyond necessary.  Our team was getting beat (a gentle way of saying it) and Andrew ended up under the basket with the ball.  SILENCE!  Every single one of the boys on both teams, stopped backed up and gave him space to shoot.  It wasn't about which team was better or who was going to win.  Each one of these boys WON!  They won so much more than a basketball game.  I have never felt anything so emotional or touching in my life, an experience that I think everyone felt, not just Brandon and I.  Eight and nine year old boys were giving their peer a chance of WINNING!!  Andrew shot the basket and made it, HE WON!  Every single person in the gym cheered.  What a life lesson for everyone!  It was so much more than a basket.  I hope that someday everyone of those boys will understand what they did.  They gave a little boy who used to be full of confidence and life a little glimmer of what he used to have and will have again some day .  A sparkle in his eyes that is returning more and more every single day.  You ask, "Who won the game?"  I don't think that matters!  Everybody won this evening!!