Progress Time

A follow-up to Monday’s post, “Processing Time,” about Wil’s Taekwondo tournament experience…

Last night at the conclusion of Wil’s Taekwondo class, Senior Master asked the incoming class to take a seat on the mat.

Senior Master then asked Wil if he’d like to perform his forms to earn his medal.

Senior Master said Wil had showed up at the tournament early, fully prepared, and as such should have an opportunity to perform his forms to earn his medal (it was all I could do not to burst out crying on the spot).

Senior Master then asked the seated students to be very discerning — to watch Wil’s forms closely. At the end of each set of forms, the students were to give a thumbs up if they believed Wil passed. Wil was to follow Senior Master’s lead precisely.

Wil was fully focused on Senior Master, knocked out his forms and never lost his smile throughout. The students gave him an energetic thumbs up at the end of each set of forms. He wasn’t handed it, he earned it. A powerful lesson happened that day for all, and all in their own way.

There are good people in the world, and Senior Master stands up there as a true example…our kids with Down syndrome rise us all up in so many ways!