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This column is in memory of Joey Walters.

Joey was a special-needs student at Eastern Montgomery High School who succumbed recently to the seizures that had plagued his childhood.

He was also just a kid, a kid who loved the things all kids love. One of those loves was baseball. He wanted to play. And he wanted to be a part of his school's team.

You may be the parent of a child who is the fastest kid on the team, or one who is athletically gifted. That's great! But please remember for every kid who is talented there are many more who are not.

The athletically gifted kid will have his moment in the sun. Those others just want to play. For kids like Joey, they just want to be a part of things.

In Joey's case, his desire to play stirred some controversy a couple of years ago. Some felt high school sports should be competitive and that accommodations necessary for Joey's condition were too distracting. They thought too many obstacles stood in the way for Joey to really be a part of the team. Those barriers were cleared and, thank goodness, Joey got to play.

How many of us have sat in the stands and observed over-zealous fans get out of control booing or screaming at players, coaches and officials? How many times have you heard fans complain about the coach playing a less than talented player or question the coach's strategy?

Perhaps now would be a good time to reflect on what playing a game really means and what it meant to a kid like Joey. Maybe it helps to see a different perspective of what is really important.

I always tried to speak to Joey when I saw him. He didn't always remember who I was.

My oldest son, Joseph, had worked with Joey as his special education aide. All I had to do was tell Joey that I was "Joseph's mom." A big smile would immediately come to his face, and he would hug me. My son may do many things in his lifetime, but one of the things that I will always be most proud of is that the memory of the time he spent with Joey was responsible for that big smile on Joey's face.

My youngest son, Stiles, had the opportunity to be on the same middle school team with Joey. When I look back on that baseball season, one of my best and proudest memories won't be of any athletic accomplishment. It will be the memory of watching my son help Joey gather up his equipment and walking with him off the field at the end of a game.

There are Joeys all around us. Those that, because of circumstances beyond their control, are different. We aren't all the same. Not everyone is fast, talented, thin, smart, beautiful, or a thousand other desired traits. But everyone has something to offer. Sometimes that offer is just an opportunity for others. An opportunity for those who interact with them to be accepting, compassionate or kind.

Joey's gifts to us were his innocence, his smile and his hugs. He also gave us the opportunity to be better people. He gave us the opportunity to be understanding, patient and kind. Perhaps now is a good time to reflect on what those qualities can mean to others. To remember what is really important.

Smile a little more. Be kinder. Be helpful to those less fortunate. Hug someone who needs it.

And cheer for the kid who comes in off the bench.

Do it in memory of Joey.

Julia Milton is the parent of an Eastern Montghomery High School student. She lives in Christiansburg.