Volunteering

I used to be an eager volunteer. My very first volunteer position was on the Pincher Creek Ranch as a "horse back riding instructor" for Special Olympics. I did this up to the time I had my children and then found little time after that and through college for the next few years. I absolutely loved volunteering though. What a grand feeling in your heart to give so little which means so much..... My next Volunteer position was with Child Find, which I participated in for 7 years. I used to worry excessively about my children being "stolen" from me so this was an organization that was important to my life. As well, getting involved with and subsequently marrying a Police Officer put in perspective the fears and reasons to keep tabs on one’s children. Finger Prints and such were a necessary thing to have along side the vaccination certificates and report cards from the past yrs of school. This is the kind of world we live in now.....
Then we moved to Airdrie and I needed to get involved with something that would hook me up to the community and give me the volunteering boost in the arm that I loved so much. Once again I found Special Olympics. I had so much fun, years before, I thought this would be a good pick. My children with the move to Airdrie were actively participating in sports since "we" as a family are true believers in "sports does a body good" philosophy. Melissa and Justin thrived in the sports world; soccer, street hockey, badminton, golf, basketball, football, rugby. Not only is it grand for the physical health but for the team spirit stuff as well as the self confidence aspects. Special Olympics was a given since I live with this sport theme all the time already. I ended up being voted in as President because of my Management and Accounting background.
In hindsight the kids were really proud of my position as I recall them telling people "My MOM is the President...." as well, they used to help out at major tournaments and whenever I needed a hand. They loved the Special Olympians just as much as I did.
Justin however had a twist to his ways and used to try and succeed in embarrassing me if he could. For instance, he would come into the grocery store when he knew my vehicle was parked outside, looking for a ride home. He would not approach his Mother though like any normal teenage boy would...no, he would come down the aisle, twisted up hands and arms, drooling, real drool, head at an angle and walking with one straight knee yelling like a handicapped person... MOM ! MOM where are you!!!! I would see him coming and hold my hand over my mouth to keep from laughing, ashamed of his behaviour at the same time hysterically laughing at his antics. He would come all the way up to me, not crack a smile and continue being like this for a while. I don’t know how I didn’t pee my pants laughing while also being embarrassed.
One time though he did this and I was at the diary section visiting with another Special O board member, who is also a Mother of a Special Olympian . I heard him before I saw him; MUUUUUUMM, it’ths me Thkustin...where are you, drool drool. My heart sank. I could only imagine what this person, never mind the rest of the community in the store right now would think of my child making fun of special needs people. Here I am the bloody President!! Justin and I made eye contact and I indicated with a nod toward my companion who was with me. Justin disappeared into another aisle. Good, I thought he’ll go away or come around acting normal. He did come by and was acting like himself. Whew, I was out of danger, he acknowledged my co-board member and proceeded to follow me along shopping while she was a bit behind us. I thought, wow that was close, good thing he had the good sense to behave himself for a change. Next thing I know he lets ONE RIP. Big time loud and smelly. I look at him. With a face straighter then Churchill he plugs his nose and says "Mom, really??? He fondled some cheese and dairy products and sauntered his way out of the store only to wait for me in my vehicle. This is a picture of the son I once had, not such a pretty picture sometimes but oh my my....truly a character that fellow was. Gosh. to be a Mother of Justin could be a chore for the faint of heart, a chore though that I wouldn’t trade for anything.