World's Largest Truck Convoy

What an amazing event!  And, in Western Kansas too!  I was privileged to be invited to join the fun at the World's Largest Truck Convoy in Colby, KS.  The event started with a party Friday night with supper and tons of fun for everyone!   The Special Olympians and their supporters came out for a time of fun and to check out some of the trucks that would be in the convoy on Saturday.  They also got to play basketball with the Colby Community College basketball team.  I was a little nervous sitting on the sideline watching because I am notorious for being a ball magnet.  It never fails that when I attend a basketball game, the ball will come flying towards me at least once.  Well, I am proud to say that did not happen this time.  The ball managed to stay on the court.  :)  Thank you Colby Community College basketball players and Special Olympians for having such great control of the basketball.  The night ended with a fireworks show and excitement for the truck convoy in the morning.  I am not a huge fireworks fan, but they were beautiful from the safety of the van, even if they were a little loud.

Saturday morning arrived and the convoy began.  Part of the trucks started in Oakley and part in Goodland and they met in Colby.  There were 61 vehicles in this convoy:  37 trucks and 21 motorcycles.  About 35 Olympians got to ride in the trucks on the convoy.  What an amazing sight going down the highway and especially once they all arrived in Colby and traveled together through town. One of the most special parts was being led through town by their own Olympic torch (or law enforcement torch).  It was run by State Trooper Adam Medlicott, Colby Police Officer Ray Schweitzer, and parent of a local Special Olympian Michelle Morris.  What a sight.  The pictures do not do it justice.

I learned a valuable lesson during this activity.  Friday night during supper, the wind was blowing hard enough to make it difficult to hold on to your supper plate.  Some were wishing the wind would die down so we could eat in peace.  Well, Saturday the wind did die down.  No wind meant sweltering heat and flies that would not go away.  I learned to be thankful for the wind.  :)  Sweltering heat or not, there were amazing Special Olympians and supporters out enjoying the Convoy.  I had the chance to meet several people and hear amazing stories.  That is always my favorite part.

Thankful thought for today:
Grocery bag carriers
Naps
Willing workers
Books

"If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul."

                              Rabbi Harold Kushner