The Perfect Day
It was a perfect day for the Fall Cross Country run. The leaves at Hiawatha Park shimmered with glints of red, orange and gold in the autumn sunlight. Fall colours lined the path to the race and I could feel the excitement and energy fill the cool crisp air as I walked nearer to the participants. I waited in anticipation of the race as the enthusiastic energy of both participants and onlookers seemed to build in waves. 
The pistol fired signalling the start of the race. Excitement grew as people cheered for their friends, school mates and family. I ran to the finish line to cheer the racers on. As I found my spot near the end of the trail I could hear two young boys cheering each racer to the finish... "you are almost there !"..."the finish line is just around the corner! " ..."you can do it!". I watched each racer's face change from an expression of exasperation to hope in the moment they heard the kind words of encouragement just for them. In the spirit of excitement I jogged to meet the finishers at the end of their race.
Looking ahead to the racers coming around the last bend I noticed a young and determined little boy in a yellow jersey with unsteady legs jogging around the corner taking intermittent breaks to keep his balance and footing. Behind him were three other racers wearing the same yellow jersey and two passengers riding bicycles. I immediately realized that this boy was finishing the race that had ended almost 30 minutes before as the bikes follow the last racer in. At the same time the first place winners of t
he current race were sprinting to the finish line.
he current race were sprinting to the finish line.There was a instant roar of encouragement and applause as the spectators cheered on this little boy who was racing with the others to the finish line with determination. He was not only finishing but was also finishing with other first place winners! The little boy in yellow picked up his pace and stumbled. His three friends gently helped him up and encouraged him to continue racing, he "was almost there" . With great strength and perseverance the little boy picked himself up to finish his race with a smile as bright as the sun that shouted "I did it" beside his friends who all shared the same smile.
What a day !
By Kerry Grbich
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