Meeting Kevin Laue and More

I mentioned the power of knowing adults with limb differences who are willing to share stories of their life growing up. Well, that power is extended ten-fold when you have an opportunity to meet him or her in person. Last night, I had a chance to meet two adults who I admire and I have wanted to meet for a long time. Along with that, I had a chance to meet more parents who are tied to this great and supportive limb difference world.

Here’s the story. I’m in New York City for a couple of days and realized I was in town for the final showing of the documentary, Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story. It followed Kevin as he worked incredibly hard to get into a Division One college to play basketball with one hand. It was incredibly emotional and really showed the incredible work it took him to end up playing for Manhattan College. I threw out the idea of watching the movie with other readers Born Just Right. It just so happens, a couple of parents were already planning to be there and another mom joined in. It was fantastic to get the chance to meet them. (Especially since I first blogged about him in 2010!)

And then, at the end of the movie, one of my friends tells me to look up, way up. That’s because Kevin himself happened to be in the theater. He had just attended a party with a crowd of people who had attended the earlier show and decided to drop by. So we all had a chance to meet and talk. I was a total geek. Not only did I ask for pictures, I had to show off how Jordan is just starting her basketball adventure. He was kind to put up with the proud mom stuff.

To add to the group attending the movie, my long-time online friend and one-handed blogger, Caitlin, attended the movie. Caitlin documents her awesome world and one-handed solutions on Stream of Caitlinness. I got to give her a hug, a Born Just Right t-shirt and even meet her boyfriend! Seriously, that’s really cool.

I am blessed. I am. The limb difference community is full of supportive and incredible people. Wow.