I thought I was going to hear an inspiring story right before the Ne’ila service of Yom Kipur. (Ne’ila is an additional service- the only time one ever has such a service is during Yom Kipur. It is when many of us take off our shoes (a sign of penitence; and ) during this prayer service for which we all stand. Many folks envision this service as the “closing of the gates”, the time on the most holy day of the year when we seek forgiveness for our failings and assistance for the rest of our lives, when the “judgement time” is nigh.)

But, the speaker butchered it. Which gave me free license (IMHO) to use the concept and provide the inspiration we all need.

Saturday night begins the 7th day of Sukot. And, that day actually has a special name. Hoshana Raba. It is the 52nd day since the beginning of Adar, the penitent period. And, many consider that the judgement for the New Year that is “sealed” on Yom Kipur is delivered on Hoshana Raba. It’s why folks like me wear the white kittel yet again on this holiday. The concept makes perfect sense for this holiday.

And, now here’s MY version of the story that I will share…

26 years ago, a British athlete (who held the British record for 400 meters and had gold World Champion and European Champion medals for the 4X400 meter relays) had every intention of winning the gold medal at the Barcelona Olympics.

Derek Anthony Redmond won the qualifying and quarter-final races. But, during the semi-final, while he was well ahead of the pack, he heard his hamstring pop about half-way through the race- and he fell to his knees. But, when the stretchers came to retrieve him, he refused. He planned to finish the race. Limping, dragging himself forward.

At the same time as his fall, Derek’s dad (who was in the stands) began racing down the steps towards the track. He barged through security (who began chasing him) and reached his son, offering a shoulder to support his child. 65000 spectators in the Barcelona stadium cheered the two on.

Derek was telling his father he wanted to bring the gold for him- but his father’s answer was that he was never prouder of his son than when he pressed on with his race.

Now, for the proper story ending…

This is how our lives are. We have great intentions. We prepare for great success. But, sometimes it’s just not our day. Whether it’s an injury, an obstacle we failed to see, or a moment of ADD, we slip; we fall.

Hashem- the Supreme Being- knows Man is fallible. But, Hashem wants us to succeed. And, as long as we try, Hashem roots us on, Hashem helps us.  Hashem offers that shoulder upon which we can lean to carry on- as long as we keep trying.

Along these lines, I will also share one of my favorite eMail signatures…

“Help, every now and then, is something  more than a four letter word.  Sometimes, it’s just a baby crying  for her sister from the confines of the crib.  But, sometimes, if you’re lucky, help comes without asking, because somewhere nearby is someone who wants to keep you from falling, instead of helping you up, after you did.” Mary Shannon (from the TV show, In Plain Sight…played by Mary McCormack)

May you go from strength to strength. Within the shadow of Hashem.