Tomorrow is the closing of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. August 29 begins the torch run for the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games. The opening ceremony for the 13th Paralympic Games is on September 6. A few sleep catch-up nights for those of us who are fascinated with the competitions. This year will be the first year that I have even been aware of the Paralympic Games. I've known about the Special Olympics forever, but not the Paralympics.

It is amazing how much of the world is invisible to the unaffected eye. I will be watching the games with interest and to observe tips on what is possible. The movie "Murderball" was my first exposure to the existence of the Paralympics and an opportunity to see how some people have learned to live with their new bodies. I look forward to more enlightenment and encouragement to keep on moving. Hard for me to believe how unaware I have been most of my life, and, of course, I am still. Every day is an opportunity to learn something new. I do enjoy this part of my forced slowdown. It is really an opportunity to glimpse into the world of others and take the time to ask questions about what I do not understand.

An interesting sidenote! I just read an article about the American vendor who was contracted to fit each of the Chinese Paralympians with a custom wheelchair for their events at the expense of the Chinese government. Sounds like this may be the first time these atheletes have competed in the Paralympics. Guess I'll continue to be sleep deprived as I watch and learn more about this competition. If you are interested, see the website on my blog under favorite links. Let the games begin...