CSH Lightning Wheels = My Second Family

"Family isn't always about blood. It's the people

in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who

accept you for who you are. The ones who would

do anything to see you smile & who love you

no matter what." - Unknown

For the past 14 years, I have been a part of a great sports program based out of Children's Specialized Hospital (CSH) called the Lightning Wheels.  When I was about six years old, one of the physical therapists asked my parents if I would be interested in joining the sports team for the hospital.  After we met the head coach and I raced around the halls for fun, we officially decided that I would join the team and the rest was history.

I started out only doing track & field but as time went by, I added table tennis and archery to the list of sports I do.  There was a point where I also did fencing for two years.  Being a part of this team, it has taught be how to be independent, care for others, see other places, sportsmanship, making friends, and many more.  I have build so many friendships where I consider everyone my family which is why the quote at the top is the lead quote to this post.

Getting ready for Opening Ceremonies at NJDC in Minnesota

The above picture is the recent picture of our team.  Over the years, we have had members come and go but no matter what, once you've been on the team, you are always considered as a Lightning Wheel.  The picture also proves that we are a fun, crazy team but we would never change a thing.  This past summer, we went to Rochester, Minnesota for the National Junior Disability Championships (NJDC).  We took a bus there so can you imagine over 20 hours driving was like with a crazy team like ours?  It was awesome!  I think the 20 hours brought us even closer together if that is even possible.  We watched movies, listened to music, laughed, some slept if could, played games, and anything else you can think of was done on the bus. 

We had the best bus driver anyone could ask for.  After a tight fit getting into the hotel with the bus, we all trusted him with our lives for the rest of the week.  He became an honorary member of the team and remind you, nationals was back at the beginning of July - we still talk about how much we miss him and hope we get him again next year, if we are for sure taking the bus again which we all hope we are.

Some memories from NJDC (credit to one of my best friend's)

One of the best things about going to different states every year for NJDC for a week, yes to hang out with your best friends but also meeting new people whether they are athletes or just some local people and/or volunteers.  Over the years, my friends and I have met some very interesting people that only us would ever run into..lol..It has become a tradition.  Some of those interesting people are: someone who asked to take a picture with me at an aquarium, a bunch of drunk people at different times (started with one, then four the next year, and then lost count the year after that), and others.  There were also nice people we also met along the way like the people who worked at airlines, the hotels we stayed at, softball players, and many of the volunteers.  If it wasn't for the team, I wouldn't have had the opportunity in meeting all of these people who have become some part in my life even if I never see them again. 

There are so many memories that I would love to live over again: getting pushed at my first nationals' opening ceremonies because it was a big track (lol), dirt conversation that started everything, reliving every nationals that I have gone to, meeting each person who has made an impact in my life, softball fundraisers, running into the drunks, finding Lucky Ducky, playing with Gameboy/Nintendo DS/other consoles, track meets, and other memories.  I hope and I know that the next two years which will also be my last two years will bring many more memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.  I honestly don't know where I would be or who I would be if I didn't have this team, my second family. 

Oh and you can NEVER forget the duckies!!! lol Since 2009, we have gained a mascot when one of our coaches found a rubber duck on the street of a Walk & Roll event.  Ever since then, we have collected ducks over the years.  We started out with just one, Lucky Ducky, and now we have probably more than anyone can count.  

Minnesota Ducky with our 2nd place trophy from 2013 NJDC

Well, I think that's all for now.  I know there's more the team than what I have wrote about in this post but as I continue writing posts, you will learn many more about the members and the team.  There are going to be pictures below of me doing some sports I do.  Hope you enjoy! 

Until next time

Caitlin <3