In 1981, a new and unexpected chapter opened in the storybook romance of Tom and Karen Lambke. The excitement and joy surrounding the birth of their first child quickly turned to shock and disbelief when they learned their son Bryan was born with Down syndrome.
Their disillusionment was short-lived, however, when they realized and accepted the beauty that emanated from their son. In Spirit, Courage & Resolve, A Special Olympics Athlete's Road To Gold, Tom Lambke takes readers on a very personal journal through his family's life over the years.
It soon became obvious that young Bryan shared his father's avid interest in sports. He loved to run, and so he was introduced to the Special Olympics when he was only eight years old. Fourteen years later, Bryan stood atop the winner's platform, a gold medal winner at the 2003 International Special Olympics in Dublin, Ireland. The story of the outpouring of love and support from their hometown will prove to be an inspiration to others needing a nudge to move from the sidelines to becoming actively involved in the Special Olympics.
Special Olympics coordinators encourage the competitors to display spirit, courage, and resolve. Tom Lambke also witnessed among all the contestants in Ireland the qualities of unabashed joy, pleasure, and humility. In the Special Olympics athlete's oath - Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt - and in Bryan's story, there lessons for each of us.
In 1981, a new and unexpected chapter opened in the storybook romance of Tom and Karen Lambke. The excitement and joy surrounding the birth of their first child quickly turned to shock and disbelief when they learned their son Bryan was born with Down syndrome.
