2014 Prompt Responses - 9. Prompt 311

I woke up sprawled over my bed with a pounding headache. I groaned. That’s what I get for an all-night bender with Jack Daniels. The pounding was incessant and I grabbed my pillow and put it over my head. That drowned it out somewhat. It took me another minute to figure out that the pounding was coming from my front door and not my head. With another groan and a heavy sigh I threw my robe on as I went to answer the door. I wrenched the door open. “What the fuck, Steve? I have one hell of a hangover. This better be good!” I grumbled.

Steve stared at me in disbelief. “What the fuck yourself? Please tell me you didn’t forget.”

Forget? What was I supposed to remember? Oh shit! I started to mumble a reply when Steve barged through the door and shoved me toward my bedroom.

“You better be ready in five minutes or you can be the one to tell Jake why you won’t be at the parade!”

I inwardly cursed and took the quickest shower of my life. I couldn’t believe I almost missed Jake’s big day. Steve’s husband Kelly shot me a dirty look as I got in the back seat.

“Sorry guys. Sorry Jakey. You know I wouldn’t miss this for the world.” I smoothed Jake’s hair back and gave him a quick kiss on his forehead. Jake gave me one of his big smiles that always melted my heart.

It didn’t take long for us to reach the sports complex. We followed the signs for athlete parking and managed to make it to the parade check-in with minutes to spare. The American flag was attached to Jake’s wheelchair and Steve wheeled him to the front of the line just behind the banner sporting the “Special Olympics” logo. Kelly and I stood on the sidelines to cheer them on. The athletes paraded around the track to thunderous applause. After the parade ended, Jake was wheeled to the infield where he was the proud flag-bearer as the National Anthem reverberated throughout the stadium. After the National Anthem, another athlete jogged to the podium and lit the Olympic torch. Then the games began.

It was a long, emotional, satisfying day and I found that my hangover was gone almost immediately. We were all quiet on the drive home, lost in reminiscing about the accomplishments of the special athletes we witnessed that day. Jake slept contentedly in his wheelchair. His green sixth place ribbon was hung proudly on his wheelchair. Remembering his wide grin and laughter and his joy at earning his favorite color ribbon brought a tear to my eye. I couldn’t be more proud of my godson.