Barrett’s First Track Meet!
Finally – we had our big day! As I’ve been writing about for weeks, my son Barrett became a member of his school’s track team. After the first two events were rained out, he finally ran in his first track meet. And it was awesome!
Little background. At Barrett’s last IEP meeting, his PE coach asked me if there was anything I’d like him to help Barrett with. I offhandedly suggested having him run, so he could win the 50 yard dash at the Special Olympics this year. His teacher, Bobbi Jo, heard this and, as is par for the course for this particular Autism Angel, had an idea – to put Barrett on the track team.
Yesterday, she finally revealed to me that it was a little bit of an uphill battle. There were a number of issues to consider. Would Barrett run? Would Barrett have a meltdown on the bus? Would Barrett wander away from the team? Would he get hurt? Would he disrupt the momentum of a runner by fill-in-the-blank? And many more, I’m sure. But Hell hath no fury like Bobbi Jo when she sets her mind to something. And bless her, I was blissfully unaware. She just sent me a text one day telling me he needed to be at tryouts.
Full disclosure, I’m quite certain that Barrett didn’t make the team based on those tryouts. Nonetheless, he made it. Thank you Coach Quinlan!
Barrett attends practice each day after school (except for Tuesdays, when he goes to speech and OT). His teachers, Bobbi Jo, Gina, and Beth rotate so that each of them is with him at practice. School ends at 4:15 p.m., practice ends at 6:00 p.m. These teachers are not paid to do it – they do this out of kindness and love for our son. Also, one of his peer buddies, Tommy, has been going to practice and running with him. Tommy is not on the track team, he is just there to help Barrett.
Gina, Beth, and Bobbi Jo
Tommy & Bear
For those of you who don’t know, Barrett and Hunter(twins) don’t attend the same school (and are no longer in the same grade). Barrett is in an autism classroom, at a school that is out of our district ( although still in the same county). Hunter also runs on his school’s track team. I have to share this moment from the night before what was supposed to be the first meet. Hunter’s now a running veteran, since he was on the track team last year and ran cross country in the fall. He often helps me at bedtime by tucking his brother in, so I can read to the younger two. When I was finished reading to Aud and Cam, I stuck my head into Barrett’s room to see if he was asleep. Hunter was sitting on Barrett’s bed giving him a pep talk and “advising” him on running tactics. Then I heard him say this, “Barrett, I’m really sorry. I wish we were on the same team, so we could run together.” Oh. My. God. I slipped away so Hunter wouldn’t know I heard him. Then I went downstairs and cried on R’s shoulder.
Yesterday morning, we were all anxious and excited. Anxious because there was a 20 % chance for rain! One of the many downfalls of the boys being on different teams is that their meets are scheduled at the same time – at different venues. We divided and conquered. R and Cammy attended Hunter’s meet, and Audrey and I went to Bear’s.
I was nervous. I got there and the butterflies in my stomach were going crazy. We ran into Bobbi Jo, and she sat with us, which was nice, because she distracted me. She told me that when they made the announcement at school that the track team was dismissed, Barrett got up to get his stuff. She asked him if he knew what was going on, and he glared at her and said, “Yes.” She decided to explain anyway, to which he rolled his eyes and again said, “Yes.” Then he left to join his team. He rode the bus with Tommy and, as I witnessed from the stands, hung with the team on the field. This was huge! For years I have watched him run away from his minders at the Special Olympics. Barrett does not have much patience, but yesterday he did. He stayed close to his teammates for an hour and a half (his event was scheduled second to last). It was a Barrett miracle.
Okay, so when they called for the boys 800 M, which was Barrett’s event, Aud and I moved closer to the start/finish line. I wanted Barrett to see me, so he’d know I was there. I got his attention and waved frantically. That stinker looked right at me, and then turned away. Seriously, he ignored me! I will not be ignored! (As you’ll hear on the video!). At this point I was very nervous and excited. And anxious, because R wasn’t there yet – I didn’t want him to miss it.
Bear’s coach is in the red hat, Bear with the nervous hands-behind-his-head stance.
The runners gathered at the start and I saw Barrett’s coach talking to Barrett and Tommy, his running partner. Remember – Tommy is not on the team (which is why he had a different shirt on)! Just running to help his buddy. How cool is that? Thank you to those in charge who approved this, because I’m pretty sure it breaks the rules.
So the gun was fired, and off they went. The other half of my family arrived just as the shot was fired. Perfect timing.
For the last couple weeks, all I wanted was for Barrett to finish the race. I remember talking to his elementary school teacher, and we both doubted that he would actually run around the track two whole times. It’s not that I didn’t think he could do it, it’s that I didn’t think he would do it. Barrett can be very stubborn when he wants to be. But Bobbi Jo never lost faith and assured me that he would. And after seeing him run at a few practices, I started to believe it, too. So much so that I must admit my wild imagination got the best of me. In my fantasy world, he was a contender. Rational Allie told me to keep it real, but Vivid Overactive Imagination Allie envisioned a Rudy moment coming…
That did not happen. Bear fell to the back of the heat pretty quickly. My heart panicked a little, because I was afraid he wouldn’t finish. When he finished one lap, there were a few runners coming up behind him, and R said, “Oh Bear, you better get out of the way.” Not necessary, because those were the front runners, crossing the finish line.
But my boy kept running, and running. And as he came around the last bend…I got emotional, and was screaming. And you know what happened? The crowd in the stands got into to it, and everyone started clapping and cheering, and I completely lost it. Bobbie Jo (who was on the field), said all his teammates were yelling from the side, “Go Barrett!” I couldn’t hear it, because the crowd around me was so loud. He looked up at us, “We love you Bear!!!”, and he saw his whole family there yelling and cheering, and then he crossed the finished line.
Oh, it was one of the best moments of my whole life. It was like a movie. I know I’ve said the phrase before, but I honestly didn’t fully comprehend the meaning of the words. I now have clarity about the term, happy tears. I could not stop the waterworks, but I also couldn’t stop smiling. I felt nothing, nothing but pure joy. And as he walked off the track, I got to witness all his coaches and teammates walk up and high five and fist bump him. It was so gratifying! He did it!
Later, zooming in on some of the pictures, I know it was hard for him on the second lap. He looked happier on the first lap, and slightly pained in the second, but he pushed through it. He ran half a mile in 4:22 seconds. His coach told him that he ran faster in practice and that he needs to step it up for next time. I love it!
As you can see, we took lots pictures and, thanks to my daughter, I have video to share! Audrey (who took first place in the county tech for digital video production) filmed Barrett’s run and then, on the way home (a 10 minute drive?), spliced the video, added pictures, text, and music to produce the 48 second clip that’s below. It took her mother HOURS to figure out how to get it off the iPad, onto YouTube and then this here blog. Technology is not my favorite chore (that’s for my FTST peeps – bet you were wondering how I was going to twist this into a FTSF post!).
From the bottom of my heart, I want to express love and gratitude to Bobbi Jo Corcoran, Gina Calvird, Beth Elzey, Coach Quinlan, Coach Biccum, Coach Jeffers, Tommy Rhodes and all the members of the LMS Track Team. It took a village to make this happen and we are lucky to have so many caring and generous people on our team!
Hunter & Barrett
Oh, and I would probably be remiss if I didn’t mention that my other son also ran in a track meet that day – completing his first mile event in 6 minutes flat. Mommy is so proud of you too, Hunter!
Please visit my Finish the Sentence Friday peeps, as well. Our hosts:
Michelle from Crumpets and Bullocks
Jill from Ripped Jeans and Bifocals
I have no words. I’m crying tears of joy right along with you, runny mascara and all!
I know, right? I had no make-up left last night! Oh Marcy, you should have seen it…
Loved it! It was awesome watching him make that run! Glad I was there and got to watch him and Tommy in action!
Thank you Lisa. Your son is such an amazing kid, we are so grateful to him. You’ve done a wonderful job momma!
I had absolutely no idea that this was such a HUGE day for you all. I sensed that something was different, but I didn’t know about Barrett’s autism until this morning when I mentioned the tears that fell as I watched him complete his race to Coach E from GOTR. The utter privilege of watching his very personal victory is still bringing tears to my eyes today. How fortunate we all were to be in those stands to cheer that last lap! I’ll be looking for Barrett at the other races and cheering!!! 🙂 Now let me go find another Kleenex…!
Thank you Jenny!!!! I still can’t believe how the crowd reacted – I swear they lifted him up, because he sure looked tired! We’ll take all the cheerleaders we can get.
Wow…that was truly amazing!! Also…they both-Hunter and Bear look so different from when I saw them 10 weeks ago. They are growing up soooooo fast!
Uncle Mark.
I know. It’s so scary!
Reading your article made me cry . What a great finish for Barrett!! I’m so proud of him and what he has accomplished…Kudos to Tommy!!! What a great kid he is for taking time out of his life and helping Barrett with his run and practicing with him for the meets. Wish I were there to see it!!Love that boy!!! Aunt Marcie
I wish you were here, too! I miss you. And yes, Tommy is an amazing kid. I know I didn’t have it in me to be that kind at his age. Sad, but true.
Aww! I love that it was such a happy life moment for you. I love the video with the music. Holy cow I’m not sure I could figure out how to do that!
Go Bear! The human spirit is just amazing.
Thanks Tamara. As for the video, I know – I have no clue how to do any of that. It amazes me that Audrey does – and that she can do it so quickly, with few flicks of her fingers.
OMG…I felt if I was right there with you crying and cheering as loud as I could. So happy for all of you. Great job Bear and Hunter and also kudos to Audrey for the video. God bless all of those who made this possible for Bear.
Thank you Mary. It was just the coolest thing:)!
BAWLING BAWLING BAWLING. So much love for Bear and you and omg I’m as proud of him as if he were mine. In some ways, he is. My heart. Allie. This is magic. This is power. This is hope and belief all coming together to support and love and DO DO DO. I’m so so excited for you. And so glad my makeup was washed off an hour ago.
I love that you feel like he’s yours:)! We can never have too many cheerleaders in Bear-Bear’s corner. And it was pretty powerful – I’m still feeling the aftershocks. Corny, I know.
Shared on fiinding ninee facebook page 🙂
I read this last night from my phone. I couldn’t EVEN comment! I came back this morning to watch the video. I LOVE LOVE LOVE every person named in this story. His brother for wishing they could run together, his friend for running with him, his sister for making the video on the way home, all the people for cheering him on. THAT COACH! Um who did I forget – mom and dad for being awesome parents. 😉
Thanks Kenya. I love everyone in the post, too! I still can’t believe how lucky we are to have so many kind people in our lives. And there’s a very good chance that Hunter may be able to run with Barrett next week! Just waiting for the final okay:).
Beautiful. This made me cry! What a wonderful moment for you and your family, but also for everyone involved in helping Barret have this moment.
Thanks A.J.!
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! It’s so gosh darn awesome that B has a warm, supportive, positive community around him as he is growing up. I can’t even count the number of wonderful people who came together for B out of the goodness of their heart, and their sense of what is right. Best of luck with the upcoming meets — and hope that B runs faster next time!! 😉
Tommy said that Barrett took off running yesterday as fast as he could during practice. I think the meet the day before built a little more confidence in him! I’m so excited to be a part of this journey and watch the kids grow together!!
I love hearing that! Thank you.
I hope he does too! Apparently he did step it up at yesterday’s practice, so you never know.
Oh, Allie – this post made me so happy! What a fabulous way to start my Friday. I know how much you were anticipating this, and I am so thrilled for you, Bear, and your family. Thank you for sharing such an amazing moment in your life with us!
You’re so welcome. Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, it only adds to my happy excitement:)!
Holy crap a six minute mile? Hunter is my new hero. Second only to Bear who FINISHED the race and sat on the bus. Both huge accomplishments my friend and definitely a Rudy moment. Oh I have goosebumps from that video.
Simply awesome
Thanks Kerri. I know – the bus ride was HUGE, and so funny that it kept lost in all the other hoopla:!)
Amazing! Way to go Barrett! And way to go mom, dad, siblings, coaches, teachers, teammates and running buddies! Such an uplifting, inspiring story all around.
P.S. While I don’t dread technology, I freely admit I’m crap at it. 🙂
Oh, the technology aspect of blogging, surfing, communications…it’s all so overwhelming for me, and humbling. And it makes me feel old. It’s my husband’s profession, so that’s what has saved me – but it’s also what’s made it easy for me to stick my head in the sand.
This post is just the best. I got tears in my eyes when I watched the video. Congrats to B for hanging in there and pushing through to the end. I am so happy for you all that you have such a splendid support team from the folks at school to the family members. Here’s to the next meet!
Thanks Kelly. I still marvel at his determination. It speaks volumes! And this will open so many doors.
Wonderful story! Chills just imagining your joy and pride! And his! So wonderful!
What an amazing team he has! Teachers who go out of their way for him! Such a fabulous situation!
I know Sarah. We hit the classroom lottery!
Okay I need you to not post anymore happy stories that make me tear up for the many people full of love in your life. I’m especially impressed with Bobbi Jo, what an amazing teacher your son has. Thank you for sharing.
Marty, she is such an amazing teacher, I cannot even begin to express enough gratitude. We call her the autism whisperer!
Wow, what a great story! I had tears in my eyes watching him. What amazing teachers !!! And what an amazing boy his running partner is! Love it
Thanks Nicki! And guess what? Next week Hunter is going to run with him! We just need one more “ok.”
Wonderful story, sitting here crying.
Thanks Terry! Happy tears, though – right?
Every single part of this is wonderful, Allie. Just great – your son, the team, the teachers. All of it. Such a victory!
Laughed because I have to admit I kept wondering how in the world this fit the FTSF prompt! 😀
Love the whole thing. 🙂
I know! I have seen other just link up and not use the sentence and I felt funny about that and didn’t want to do it! And everyone in FTSF knew this was coming, and I promised an update. And then I was writing…and it came to me a with the video. Phew!
Brilliant. Well done, you!
OMG! I love this! I felt the emotions right along with you. . . There might’ve even been a tear or two. Beautiful! How awesome! (&, yes, I have to admit, I WAS wondering how you would spin it for FTSF! LOL. Creative! 😉 )
Thank you – I can be quite resourceful when need be!
CRYING.
Go Bear.
Me too. Thanks Allison.
Oh Allie. What a wonderful story. And what a “wonder”-ful kid. Go Barrett go!!!
Thanks Dana And tomorrow – Hunter will run with him:)!
What a wonderful story that took me to so many places. Go Barrett! And go you! Love this so much!!!!!!!!
Thank you Jill!
Allie!! I am so proud of Barrett and his accomplishments….I am amazed!! I’m happy that he has this opportunity to SHINE!! Please give him a big HUG.
Thanks Debbie. It was ah-may-zing!
Such a great milestone in Barrett’s life. Blessings come in so many forms. You are truly blessed! As are many others through the thoughts and experiences that you share that give hope and encouragement! I thoroughly enjoy reading everything that you post.
Thank you Paula! How are you? It’s been a really long time! I’m honored that you think I give people hope. I hope so. One of my favorite quotes: “Without hope, the heart would break.”