the first and the last and the first

(special olympics state meet, billings, mt, may, 2012)

They swim and they splash 

and they doddle and dash

not for cheers or for cash 

but for Joy in a flash

They race and they run

not for fame, but for fun 

for they've already won

since they shine like the sun

In the midst of the race

they embody the Grace

that enlightens each face

from beyond time and space

So they giggle and cheer

out of joy, not of fear

for they broadcast so clear

the great Love ever near

Not in words, but in smiles

broadly bright, spanning miles

without pretense or guile

but inimitable style

Neither slowly nor fast

but with Spirit so vast

embrace future, now, past

last as first, first as last

First as last, last as first

no one best, no one worst

expectations transversed

limitations reversed

For they play and they prance

and they grin as they glance

and delight in the chance

just to join in the Dance

(for the organizers, the sponsors, the fans, the coaches, the teachers, the aides, the friends, the families, and the athletes who have been a part of Ian's experience in S.O., 2005-2012...all 'family' in the Spirit of Joy, Love and Life...thank you, thank you, thank you) 

(the 'extra special' olympians and coaches/teachers/aides

from missoula high schools :)