Photo credit: wkyc.com

Photo credit: wkyc.com

You know, every once in a while a story comes along that makes you stop and just take a moment.  A moment to set aside your worries and stress and just remember what life is really all about.   It’s about dreams and smiles, good will, love and respect.   It’s about making a difference in the lives of others and letting them make a difference in your own.

Some thirty YEARS ago…teenage twin brothers Ronald and Donald Cunningham walked into a Case Western Reserve University football practice.    They were not members of the team.   They were not enrolled in the University.   They did however walk out together onto the football field and started to lead the team in jumping jacks.   And for 28 years….they have been leading the team in this way.  They don’t wait for the coach to start the practice, they start it.

These twin brothers with their big, beautiful, infectious smiles are both mentally disabled.    They refer to the players only by their jersey number (with the exception of one, Bobby) on and off the field.

Over these many, many years, the Case Western football coaches and players have developed beautiful friendships with Ronald and Donald and have made them part of their team.   They are official ball boys and make every practice.  Coaches have come and gone.  Players have graduated.  The boys…now men…are 46 years years old and next season will be the 29th for the brothers…as they take the field to lead a new team of players.

So, this is one of those feel good stories that warms my heart and I thought it would be a great one to share during this season.   A reminder that dreams are important.  That a smile can turn someones whole day around.  That giving someone a chance is not only good for them, it’s good for your own soul.   That we’re all gifts…each with unique wrapping.   That sometimes…being ‘just a number’ is a great thing.

Here’s a link to the WKYC News video if you’d like to watch.

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