Inspirational Story Of The Month –
(Names And Details Have Been Changed To Protect Privacy)
How 62 Seconds Changed A Life,
And An Entire Town
If you had a magic wand… and could do whatever you wanted with it… what would you do?
Would you pay off your mortgage? Make yourself younger? Get a new car? Or would you do something for someone else who needs it more?
Tough question.
Well, what if I told you the residents of a small, suburban Massachusetts town came together to create such a proverbial “magic wand” and waved it to change the life of a remarkable young man? And once you read this story, you will know how to use a magic wand… if you ever get your hands on one.
Here’s the story…
With 62 seconds left in the game, Norwell’s boy’s basketball Coach John Willis made a decision that will ensure his memory and legacy as a great man lives on forever.
He yelled to Senior Guard, Andrew Lawson, and told him he was going in the game. Lawson, only 5’4” substituted in for one of his best friends… who hugged him and rubbed his head as Lawson sprinted out on the court.
With only 1:02 left in the game… what was the big deal?
As it turns out, Andrew scored a lay-up in that 1:02 and the gymnasium went crazy as Norwell defeated Hanover 68-51 and stayed unbeaten in its last 18 games.
Even more impressive, Andrew has Down’s Syndrome. If it were up to some people… he never would have gotten that chance.
Andrew’s parents, Jim and Regina Lawson, always wanted the best for their son. Even though most Down’s Syndrome children do not attend public school, they wanted the optimal learning environment for Andrew.
They expected the best out of Andrew and out of his school. With hard work and cooperation, they discovered ways for Andrew to coordinate his classes and learn at his own pace.
But maybe even more important than the “scholarly” education Andrew received was the camaraderie he experienced as an entire town came together to share in his (and their) dreams.
Andrew first joined the soccer team and his teammates all helped out to make sure he got to practice. During the fall of his senior year, Andrew scored a goal on a penalty kick and was carried off the field while the fans went crazy.
And besides his famous 1:02 lay-up, Andrew started a basketball game and scored 11 points in 3 minutes in what is now called “Andrew’s Quarter.”
When Andrew came out of that game, members of the opposing team came over to congratulate him.
There is a video of “Andrew’s Quarter” on the internet at: http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1418562363&channel=245991542
It might be quicker to Google “Andrew Lawson” than trying to type that in, but either way, it is well worth the effort to see Andrew and the entire town that supported him in action.
Andrew was also featured on HBO’s hit series, Real Sports. The most amazing part on the show was how his classmates all loved Andrew. They cheered him in the hallways and hugged him whenever he was around.
With so many stories about teenagers bullying other teens (in some cases with the parents’ help!) even to the point of suicide… this was even more remarkable.
Andrew’s parents were quick to thank everyone who played a role in making Andrew’s (and their) dreams come true over the those 4 years. And they hope others will see through Andrew’s experience what can actually be achieved. Andrew’s acceptance in school made it easier to be accepted socially. And Andrew was not the only one that benefitted from those 4 years. “It’s not ‘Oh, isn’t Andrew lucky,’” Andrew’s mother said. “It’s ‘Aren’t we lucky to have Andrew.’” Who changed more… Andrew… or the town?
Andrew graduated from high school last spring and wants to move away from home and live on his own.
With what he has accomplished already, it would not be prudent to bet against him.