It was an absolute pleasure to get to spend some time over the past week with Gary, Olivia,
June, and Nick Springer while they were here in Beijing. It was a thrill to get to go to the gold medal match against Australia this past Tuesday, and to see Nick almost single-handedly shut down Australia's biggest scoring threat. On the defensive end, there was no one out there who was better, and, between the scoring he added at times and that stunning defensive performance, little is left to think about when one considers who was the finest player out there on the court that night.The crowning moment of my time in Beijing thus far would have to be seeing Nick outside of the stadium after the game and, following being mobbed by the press in the US and Chinese press in the locker room and the fans outside, being able to speak to him for a moment about how he was feeling. The one part of the conversation that stands out was when, following my inquiries about how he felt, Nick replied, "I can't feel anything." The situation was surreal for me--in Beijing, outside of a wheelchair rugby game, talking to a gold medalist--but for Nick, it seemed to be indescribable.
One of the most impossible moments I've ever had in my life to date was when Nick did me the honor of letting me handle his gold medal for a second. It was extremely heavy, to the point that it would be uncomfortable to have it hanging around your neck for very long. Nick, however, will be keeping that medal close to him for the rest of his life, as is explained in the story that is linked to below. That same night, the younger portion of the Springer family was informed of a terrible tragedy that may have overshadowed the greatest of triumphs. In true heroic fashion, however, the family is keeping on keepin' on. Here's the story from the Hudson Valley Journal News that explains more:
http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008809190435
I have nothing but love and admiration for the whole Springer family, and I thank you guys for providing me with proof that, even in this somewhat cynical age of ours, true heroes still exist.
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2 comments:
A very touching story, Kev. It amazes me that some remarkably courageous people can function, indeed excel to extraordinary degree, in the face of what appear to be overwhelming odds, physical and emotional. An inspiring young man.
And I am reassured to observe that your students, like students of all universities (maybe one of the 'universals' in university), still use their first day of class to suck up, beg for mercy, and attempt to establish a grade-embellishing relationship with their professor.
Hi Kev,
The other day, Brian's pediatrician Dr Cohen told me a story of a brave former patient of his from Greeley HS that lost his limbs to meningitis...your friend!
What an incredibly courageous fearless young man to perservere despite such adversity.
I love reading your blog. Your excellent writing ability surprises me...what happened to little Kevin!! Reading your tales is like reading a great short story. I am getting insight into Chinese culture through your eyes.
I most related to that moment you described, the relationships that develop cross cultures, and the feeling when the awareness strikes that here in a foreign land you feel connected to someone, something. All of a sudden, for a moment, the world feels really, really small.
God bless you on your journey Kevin. You are in my heart and mind.
Love,
Aunt Peggy
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