Special Needs Can Often BE Shortened To Just Plain Special

​I walked into Pontiac Township High School (PTHS) yesterday afternoon after driving 12 hours to get there. I walked into the school commons area. Jamie saw me first, and with a voice as loud as only Jamie can yell with, he yelled "Keith."

He jumped up and came to hug me and said, "I've missed you Keith."

I've missed you too buddy.

I would drive 12 hours for that shout - for that hug - every day of the week.

Jamie is a 20 year old special needs student in my friends Laura and Beth's class at PTHS. Many years ago, I joined in their effort to replace the r-word 'retarded' with the r-word 'respect' through their annual 5K race - the Run For Respect.

Most years I have run the race virtually in Virginia, but Laura and Beth are retiring at the end of this year, making this the last Run For Respect as we know it.

So not coming to Illinois to run the race in person was NOT an option.

These teachers and these kids have challenged me to be my best self more than they will ever know. I've run some of my longest distances fueled by their belief. A belief not in me, but a belief these kids have in themselves.

It's true these kids have some limitations, but I have watched them attack life like they are the only ones unaware of that.

They have also shaped the way I see other human beings. In a world where we can be quick to see and look for the worst in one another, when we can be quick to judge each other, all these kids have ever done is accept me.

I walk into the building and they shout my name, not because they have special needs, but because they see me as special.

And here's the thing, they don't see me as special because I am special, they see me as special because that is their starting point with everyone. Everyone they encounter gets the starting point: you are special.

With these kids, that starting point is an instinct. I am trying to make it mine. Some days I am better at it than others, but I'm better at it than I've ever been.

A lot of that is because of Laura and Beth and these beautiful kids.

Thousands upon thousands of us are better at it than we've ever been. Because year after year people in every state and on every continent in the world have joined in this Run For Respect.

Most races end at the finish line.

Most of them....

Today I will run one final Run For Respect. One final finish line at one of the most meaningful races I've ever run. And maybe there will be tears. But those tears will be for the memories, the ways this race and these amazing humans have touched my life.

But long after that finish line there will be joy and appreciation. Because this race has started a race whose momentum has only begun.

Long after one last run for respect, respect will run on. Because this race was never about the miles, it was about creating a world where we can all feel included.

Well Jamie, you have never been retarded to me. You have only been one of the most amazing humans I've ever met. And I love you buddy.

Laura and Beth, thank you for having the vision and the courage and the hard fought patience to continue this run. Mission accomplished sweet friends.

Thousands of us have run for respect.

Many many more than that are living more lovingly and with more acceptance than ever.

That makes the Run for Respect one hell of a race.

And I can't wait to tackle it. One. Last. Time.