Special Olympics State Track Meet

For those of you who dont know, my family and I volunteer with the Special Olympics. I cant begin to tell you how proud I am that my husband and children have participated in this program with me. I have always had a passion for working with Special Needs children. It all started in High School when I volunteered to help them out in gym class. I dont know if any of you have ever experienced that moment when you know what your mission in life is. For me it came shortly after spending my time with these girls in gym. At least once a day this girl would ask me "What is your name?" I would tease her and say "You know my name!" but I usually ended up having to tell her again that my name was Maria. Then one day she asked me the usual "What's your name?" This time I told her "You already know my name, it starts with the letter M remember?" She stood there thinking and saying "MMMMMMMMMM" and then came the word that I will never forget...Muck. I couldnt believe it. I had so much fun that year and was truly blessed to have met my new friend. She had named me MUCK and every now and again you can still hear my family calling me by that name. Here are a few pics from this past weekend. I hope you enjoy!!