Bird by Bird 33-43

Lamont shows the importance of simplifying writing to be as easy as telling a story. She uses the example of lunches and the memories she has from it. It is interesting reading her account because I can personally relate to her thoughts about what other people thought of her family's financial status. I had these thoughts about other people and was always making sure the right items were packed in my lunch. She also mentions the boy by the fence. When she is done writing this first draft, she reflects on it having no idea why the boy crossed her mind. The point she makes is that writing is a process that a course of its own if you let it.

The comparison of writing to a polaroid is a great metaphor. It is a reminder that one cannot sit down and write a full paper at one time. This goes back to the one inch picture frame mindset. As she attended the Special Olympics event, she realizes that there truly is something special occuring. The effort displayed is what was amazing. I have personally had the chance to witness this type of unmatched effort. I had the chance to go school with someone who had Down's syndrome who also played basketball. However, he did not simply play for a Special Olympics team. I had the opportunity to play on the same team with him. He never played when the game was still on the line. He couldn't have cared though. He wanted the opportunity to be like everyone else. Players on other teams left him open because of his obvious difference. I never could figure out if this was courteous or disrespectful. Regardless, he put the issue to rest. He had the ability to knock down three pointers with the best of anyone out on the court. The sound of the crowd roaring after seeing what no one would have expected typically is reserved for game winning buzzer beaters. Chris' effort reminded me to always put the same type of effort out on the court at all times.