Colin, You're Amazing!!

I'm a huge fan of The Amazing Race because it's a real reality show, in that you don't get voted off because another team, or player, doesn't like you. You're out because you came in last during a leg of the race. Plain and simple; last in, out. This season was fun because a team that no one thought would win actually won. 

The Fabulous Beekman Boys, AKA Josh Kilmer-Purcell and his partner--and soon to be husband--Brent Ridge, spent most of the race in last place, and in fact, never won a single leg, until the last one, the million dollar one, the only one that truly counts.

I liked that the underdogs, especially the gay underdogs, triumphed.

But, not wanting to sit back and bask in a million dollar glow, Josh and Brent have been responding to some of the over 8000 congratulation wishes they've received thus far.

This is from their website, Beekman 1802:

"Going through [the letters] is like winning the race all over again. They each made us feel very special, and we thank you.

But today, we want to help someone else feel special.

Below is one of the first letters we received this week after winning the Amazing Race. It comes from a mother with a son named Colin:

“I’m sure you guys are way too busy to read this, but I want you to know how inspirational you two are to my 12 year old son. He is gay and is dealing with bullying and harassment in middle school. It’s so hard to see him going through this, and sometimes the “It Gets Better” message is lost on a 12 year old who feels that middle school will never end…We cheered you on every Sunday night and agonized every time you had difficulties. My son was so incredibly thrilled when you two won last night (as was I!). Thank you for helping him see that not only DOES it get better, it gets AMAZING.”  

(Permission was granted by both Colin and his mother to reprint letter and use names.)

We were called the “Ultimate Underdogs” on the Amazing Race. And when we hit the finish mat, we urged everyone who feels like they’re down-and-out to “keep going, try as hard as you can, eventually someone will help you – and you will win.”

Colin, we know that you’re doing your best, and working as hard as you can in school. We shared Colin’s mom’s note with our fellow Amazing Racers – who have also all been underdogs for various reasons at some point in their lives.

And here is the entire Amazing Race 21 team’s message to you, Colin!…"

It's that simple.

Take a moment and tell some kid, some person, who is struggling with bullying, that they're amazing.

Winning a million bucks is very cool, but helping a young gay kid understand that he has worth and value, is truly amazing.