Sunday Newscape Magazine

As most of you know being a father out ways anything in my life. In my opinion, if you have children there is nothing more important than to provide, nurture, and educate their precious souls.  My hope is that my stories provide an example to parents who may have lost touch with this simple philosophy. This story is no exception.

Since the day she was born my oldest daughter Victoria has always been that special shinning star in my life. Her struggles started with her first breath and have not stopped there. Born with special needs, Victoria always wants to fit in, but few will allow her this opportunity.

This year was a special one as Victoria was now in high school. Being there opened many doors for her. A bigger school, more activities, and a simple feeling of independence she has never felt before.

She was approached about joining the school track team and jumped at the chance, while I, along with my wife, worried as usual. We knew the grueling schedule involved and worried like most parents if she would fit in.

Like any devoted parent I was there everyday to pick her up from practice. She always greeted me with a tired smile and sweaty clothes from the grueling workout.  I would ask how everything went and she would always comfort me with good words, but I still felt uneasy by her responses. I think she knew that if she told the truth I would pull her from the team in a heart beat.

My fears soon came to light as the team started participating in numerous competitions around the state. Victoria became a professional bench warmer sitting around for many hours as her teammates ran their hearts out. Thank goodness for her ipod and a special friend who was just like her and kept her company at times. Victoria soon became so used to sitting around that she sometimes missed her rare turn. Nobody would reminder her and her coach was often to busy, but Victoria loved wearing that uniform just to be a part of something.

When Victoria did run it was an amazing site. I remember one event she just missed winning it all. Imagine this little girl who stands less than five feet tall competing, and almost beating others who towered over her. It was a site I will never forget.

Then came a dreaded injury. At practice Victoria twisted her ankle and was done for the season. She cried so hard her nose bled all over her. You can only imagine the site I witnessed when I pulled up after the phone call. I found her stained with blood and an ankle that looked like a small apple had been inserted into it. She knew that her season was over and focused on what color cast she would get and how many people would sign it. As it turned out, she had a bad sprain and made the best of it playing around on her crutches in school and at home.

The season drew to a close and Victoria like everyone else on the team was invited to the annual team party at the track where they practiced all year. This was an event that honored seniors who were graduating and those who contributed to the team’s victories throughout the year. I knew she wanted to attend, but was apprehensive knowing she would be ignored. She persisted, and I gave in.

Unfortunately, I was a little late for the event. As I pulled up, my worst fears came to light. I saw Victoria doing her usual routine standing by herself and leaning against the girl’s locker room wall. You could see in her face she was struggling to stand with her crutches as some teammates took a traditional run around the track for their parents to see and snap photos.

In light of what saw, I asked Victoria to do me a big favor. I knew she would not be involved with this program next year so I asked her to run around the track for the last time. Actually, I was testing the large crowd to see if they recognized this little girl who gave it her all this year, but I did not tell her that. She agreed and off we went crutches and all.

Like a trooper, Victoria chugged along hopping with me by her side. She often stopped to catch her breath as I looked to see if her teammates offered the same support and cheering they did for everyone else. I knew what the outcome would be, but I was hoping I was wrong. The last turn on the track proved my assumptions correct, but I did not say a word and took pictures of this star on crutches as we approached the finish line.

After ten minutes, Victoria finally finished and looked around to find no one there. Everyone had left to enjoy the food in a different area of the track. Even her coach who was talking to a parent nearby didn’t even look as this little person hopped across the finish line. I saw the disappointment in her face, but after a big hug she smiled with achievement. We soon joined the others to enjoy what was left of the food.

Hopefully next year Victoria will chose a different sport that recognizes every teammate the way they should. I realize that most kids don’t understand, but I hope no one will ever have to experience the lonely walk she did.

© Jerry Maldonado-all rights reserved 2009       This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it