MamaBlogger365 - The Heroes Behind the Heroes by Shira Adler, Diva Mama

My honey sent me a link this morning of a video that first made the YouTube rounds in 2006. As I watched it, I was poignantly reminded me how powerful simple human kindness and the vision that one person can hold for another who doesnʼt fit everyone's preconceived notions of what a typical student, basketball player or musician is supposed to look like.

I watched this story as if it happened yesterday, because for children who live all over the country who are experiencing both the good and the bad of being special needs, it did happen yesterday, and today, and itʼs going to happen tomorrow. For these children, this video is a perfect reminder that each of us can play a part in the genius that others have to offer, if we are only prepared to throw out our notion of what it is supposed to look like and accept the reality of what it does look like.

And letʼs talk about Jason McElwain. The story revolves around a high functioning autistic boy from upstate NY whose unbridled enthusiasm earned him the title of high school basketball team manager. Watching J-Mac, as he was called, one is reminded of the power that connection, inspiration and heart can play when physical or mental limitations are not really limitations at all, but rather, just a mask for the excellence that lies beneath the surface... albeit in a different form.

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MamaBlogger365 - Living Vicariously? Or Just Living? by Jennifer Covello

Both of my children play basketball. I’ve attended just about every practice and game since they started playing, so we’re talking several years. I’ve watched my son come up through the ranks and learn how to dribble with both hands and “drop three’s”. I’ve witnessed my daughter driving the ball to the basket with the speed and agility of a real pro.

I’m not well-versed in sports. I don’t understand most of them and would consider myself a true "spectator". While I do have my favorite professional sports teams, I’m usually the one asking those annoying questions like, “what’s a first down?” or “why is he just standing there?” I’m a big hit with the guys who want to show off their sports prowess and a true pest to those who just want to watch the game.

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Support MamaBlogger365 and help the Museum of Motherhood secure a permanent home in 2011! Your tax-deductible donation in ANY amount will help us make our September POP-UP exhibit in NYC a permanent reality - visit our Members page to learn more.

Visit the Museum of Motherhood

NOW OPEN in NYC

Tues.-Sun., 10:45 am - 6:30 pm

Photo credit: snapdragon|MorgueFile

MamaBlogger365 - Listening to Tears by Vera Snow

Last weekend marked the end of yet another season of basketball for my daughter. An unusually demanding season, I still found myself looking forward to not just watching her play but to cheer and gab with other parents. It started out as any other season except that I seemed much more emotionally involved regarding the outcome of each game. Not a competitive person by nature, I had my share of competitive tennis growing up. I remember enjoying the mantra of hitting and receiving the ball on my racquet but very little interest in winning, or so I thought. Read more...

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Photo credit: rmontiel85