“Once in a lifetime, someone enters your life and changes everything you do from there on. Blake is my someone. He loves life with a passion. He has brought me out of my darkest moments and shared the happiest days of my life. His insight into life and how to live keeps me going.”
—Sue Elliott, Olathe Special Olympics Coordinator

“Blake demonstrated the blueprint for all athletes to follow. He was always enthusiastic, energized and positive. Most of all, Blake made those around him better. His glass was always half-full and he always gave his best. He was an inspiration to our team, and they were thrilled to watch him excel. I am so very grateful to have had the opportunity to witness first-hand Blake’s time with the Olathe East Boys Soccer Team and watch how he matured into an outstanding young man.”
—Terry Hair, Head Coach, Olathe East Varsity Boys Soccer

“What does it mean to experience unconditional joy and caring? Meet Blake Docking. Blake shares an enthusiasm for life that will bring inspiration to your soul. He teaches us all how to be better at life and to embrace our gifts more fully.”
—The Reverend Gar Demo, Rector of St. Thomas Parish

“Blake is a terrific human being, doing his best to face the world on his terms, despite the added challenges of Down syndrome. He, like all of us, has good days and bad days (sometimes on the same day). He succeeds more often than he fails. He has a knack for making the world better for those willing to accept the challenges of being a part of his world. Blake has each of the qualities one would want in a family member, an employee or a friend: He is kind, loyal, dependable, trustworthy, slow to anger, funny, grateful, hard-working, uncannily athletic and always hungry.”
—Kim Roam, Trust Department Division Manager, Blue Ridge Bank and Trust

Gordon and David were acquaintances many years ago, having covered many of the same sporting events. They shared a love of sports and a desire to tell a good story. Gordon left the sports media business and changed careers into hospital administration, but he never forgot that David worked with people on books. Meanwhile, David stayed in sports journalism with the written word, including writing and publishing 18 books. All these years later Gordon and David reconnected on this book project, but more than a book resulted. They developed a stronger friendship that transcends the sporting events that originally brought them together. They hope you enjoy this uplifting story of lessons Gordon learned through his life with his son, Blake.