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.
I'm Sheila. In addition to raising 1 husband and 3 teens, I've founded 
What an awesome story! Thanks for sharing.
.-= Marie´s last blog ..Watching God Made Christmas =-.
That is a great story and yes I love hearing them especially at this time of year.
Everyone has worth. I firmly believe that. It is nice for you too point it out.
.-= Otin´s last blog ..Blood on his hands =-.
thanks for sharing
i want some beer bread
.-= Paige´s last blog ..Ulnar and Solar =-.
This is such a beautiful story, thank you so much for sharing it.
.-= Anita´s last blog ..Christmas Music =-.
That is a beautiful story. There’s no movies about that yet are there? I bet there will be soon about the stuff they had to overcome to do it, security, coaches hating them, etc. You know, the normal hollywood drama they cram into each movie.
A wonderful story! Thanks for sharing!
.-= Aliceson´s last blog ..So Long Leroy! =-.
what a heart warming story…we all have our place….and i am sure they are a big part of that team…
.-= brian miller´s last blog ..160 – a steamy snowy night =-.
What an amazing story! I love hearing stuff like that. Thank you for sharing.
.-= Cara´s last blog ..Sleepnanigans =-.
what a great story. thank you for sharing this with us.
.-= savvygal´s last blog ..Giant White Truffle =-.
What a wonderful story. I enjoyed this. It’s inspiring.
Have a great week ahead and Happy Holidays to you and your family 
.-= Thom´s last blog ..Microfiction Monday #10 =-.
good morning:
we share this in common, it is hard to actually behave perfect, but with good will and kind heart, we can always appear upbeat, confident, caring, and loving!
You have used two key ball players to showcase your ideal about life, what a bless to everyone here!
You deserve the best!
.-= jingle´s last blog ..Snow Steals The Shows =-.
That really made my evening – cheers!
.-= Millennium Housewife´s last blog ..Things I have said To My Parents Today =-.
What a heart warming story. And you shared it beautifully here!
“That we’re all gifts…each with unique wrapping” I love it. So true.
.-= Momisodes´s last blog ..Deflating the holidays =-.
Lovely story. It should be a movie!
.-= Alissa Collins´s last blog ..Would someone please explain the unexplainable? =-.