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I chose to write the above article after a good friend of mine informed me that the city in which I live would be hosting a Tim Tebow dance for those with disabilities and special needs. A dance for those who otherwise might not have the opportunity to attend a prom during their lifetime.
I thought to myself, "What an amazing idea." What a beautiful moment this would be. Not only for them, but for their parents, for the volunteers and even for Tim Tebow, himself.
So, I decided to do some brief research and went online so I could see for myself exactly what this Night to Shine event was really all about.
And what I saw touch my heart in a way it has never been touched before.
I've come to realize that the story written above does not do the proper justice in conveying to you what this prom is actually all about. What it means to so many.
How I wish my words on this page could provide you with the opportunity of being able to truly envision the extent of their happiness. How I would love to be able to share more than just words with you.
But words can only tell so much.
Unfortunately, you cannot be witness to their elation as they freely express themselves on that dance floor. Nor can you see their overwhelming desire to take it all in as they're experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
It's a happiness many of us will never truly know. It's genuine. It's factual. It's real.
Unlike so many of us, these young adults live a life without the need for competition. They sincerely enjoy the company of others and are overjoyed to be among friends. They aren't worried about who has the prettiest, most expensive gown. They aren't petty -- looking around the room to see who has the best-looking date. They're not taking selfies and being concerned whether their hair and make up are perfect. They aren't judgmental of others.
They are simply themselves. Elated to have a chance to attend a fancy dance and being made to feel important.
Well, they are. More important than we even realize. You see, in my search to gain background information for my story, I was led to a couple of videos no more than two minutes in length. But those two minutes were enough. Enough that I was suddenly wishing I could find a way to be that happy. A way to smile like they were without mine having to be forced.
How many of us feel the need to force the appearance of being happy and better off than we actually are for the benefit of those around us?
The joy that these young adults felt during that dance and the spirit in which they were living life in that moment ... it was unquestionably joyousness. I'd give anything to know that.
Oftentimes, we see someone with special needs or a disability and feel sorry for them.
Rather than feel sorry, I believe we should try to be more like them. To have their heart and mindset of simply enjoying each day to the fullest and to love so freely, then this world be a much more beautiful place in which to live.
I remember back in 2012 when football announcers, opposing players and football fanatics loved criticizing those who "jumped on the Tebow bandwagon."
The reality was we all knew there were many more talented football players in the league than this backup quarterback on the Denver Broncos. A man who only took to the field after his team began the 2011-12 season with a 1-4 record.
We knew many of these talented players also had a strong faith in God, as does Tebow.
However, these players were not as vocal as Tebow was. They weren't as expressive, taking a knee and praying during various moments of a game. This would ultimately become known as "Tebowing." One wouldn't think the term would hold any negative connotations. But it did.
There was a newfound respect for this young quarterback.
Here was a man who prayed openly on the field. He was the answer in helping his team to overcome its 1-4 start to the season. After Tebow started as the team's quarterback, the team won seven of its next eight games.
But those of us on that bandwagon didn't just see a man who helped his team to win its first divisional championship in six years.
We didn't only watch in anticipation to see if we would witness yet another unbelievable comeback (which usually came in overtime situations.)
Yes, he made the game exciting each and every week.
But more importantly, this was a man who made millions of people believe in miracles once again.
Although his short-lived fame has made many people forget about these moments, I will always remember them. And him. He will always hold a special place in my mind and heart.
Any man who unintentionally made John 3:16 the No. 1 trend around the world will always be a winner in my book. And for what he has done and continues to do for those with special needs, speaks volumes.
My hope is that he will be able to continue these proms for many more years to come. The happiness which comes from them is something words cannot express. And I wish this kind of happiness on everyone.
(Stenger is community editor of the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times)