Yesterday’s event at Sarah’s school turned out to be a lot of fun with relatively few bad moments. I remembered how to drive to the school despite my fears. When we pulled into the parking lot, “Sarah Smile,” the old song by Hall and Oates, was playing on the 70’s station I usually listen to in the car, and that gave us a bit of a sad moment. We both wiped our eyes and then went into the school. After that it was more fun. The principal greeted us and brought us out onto the field where there were big blown up pictures of Sarah and the scoreboard read “First Annual Gilbert Games 2023.” Really, this is the highest athletic honor anyone in our families will ever achieve!
We saw all of Sarah’s teachers, administrators, her aide, and her friends. Danny was a bit shy and was concentrating hard on his appearance in a dance performance that took place as part of the opening ceremonies. He was also a heavily featured athlete in the running races, the relay, and the modified softball. It took Sammy a little while to recognize us but he was happy when he did. Jessica knew us right away and waved whenever she saw us.
We gave out awards and ribbons to the winners in wheelchair races, modified softball, long jump, Noodle Javelin (my personal favorite) and all the other track and field events that were held. I congratulated each kid and told her or him that Sarah would be so proud. I made sure the kids knew they were winners. My favorite moment was when one boy came over to collect his ribbon and I placed it around his neck, congratulated him, and told him Sarah would be very proud of him. He sighed and then murmured “Sarah” very happily. I don’t know if her actually knew her or not. But I really felt like she was there with us.
The First Year Without Sarah 