All of us place friends in groups as high school friends, college friends, work friends, neighborhood friends, church friends, and other … well, and not surprisingly, we have dance friends. Ballroom dance has introduced us to many good people, but Teddy is the one who stands out the most for me.
The first time one sees him doing something – you laugh, but with a smile. The more times I see him – I still laugh and smile – but the heart also glows. The more I watch him and now interact with him and learn more about him, I believe he is a special gift for all.
Teddy is a native Cincinnatian who has become a local celebrity, and has even received national exposure. However, through it all, he’s absolutely the same person that he was before the madness started.
From local articles, local television stories, and time with his (and my) favorite baseball team to attending the State of the Union as Speaker Boehner’s guest. From escorting two beauty queens (one on each arm) to speaking engagements and dance exhibitions. From a recent ESPN special segment to a shorter version ABC World News with Diane Sawyer (an America Strong segment), and to the latest as he’s now part of a Topps baseball card collection … and through it all, Teddy remains who he is … an example for everyone.
Teddy Kremer is not a kid, but a 30-year-old man. As a swimmer, ballroom dancer, and equestrian, he’s an athlete. Regardless how one knows him, all who he has touched agree that he is special because he demonstrates what we should be – kind, positive, appreciative, personable, loyal, joyful for life, and other characteristics.
I hope you take the time to watch this 12-minute story created by ESPN, and I have no doubt that Teddy will make you laugh and smile. After all, this video (just like Teddy) makes me laugh and smile, but in the end, I always shed a prideful tear … thus, I look forward to seeing him again on many Thursdays at the dance studio.
A Frank Angle 
That was wonderful! I have a nephew who films shorts like this for ESPN. I’ll have to find out if he worked on this one!
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Elyse,
Now wouldn’t that be a coincidence! Who knows how many hours of film they shot. For the very short dance clip, I know they recorded 3 hours of him dancing.
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It wasn’t my nephew’s work. He does do a lot of the ESPN special pieces though…
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Oh well … that would have been an interesting connection!
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Smile, laugh, love life, see what the truth of enjoying life and people is all about. Thanks for sharing this inspirational story!
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Patti,
Absolutely true!
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I love Teddy Ballgame. He’s my favorite fan.
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Cayman,
He unquestionably is our Teddy Ballgame … hopefully I will remember to ask him if anyone as called him that.
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absolutely priceless! thank you so much for sharing Teddy’s love for life ♥
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Sunshine,
Love for life is a great way to describe him. I will post the baseball card tomorrow.
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his parents get tons of credit too – they loved out a beautiful person. really.
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Excellent point!
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I LOVED it!! It brought tears to my eyes. What an inspiration. And to know him personally, Frank. He seems to really love life. He must be a joy to be around.
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Bumble,
Tears of joy I’m sure … and his parents are also a pleasure! I will display the baseball card on the next post.
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Beautiful… and a deep lesson for all of us! I didn’t laugh, the emotion I felt was too strong… that teaches us respect for the life of every living creature, without any distinction. We shoud look at life through the eyes of the heart!
And the respect for ourselves, for what we have and are…
Thank you, wish you a lovely day :-)c
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Claudine,
Definitely a strong lesson for all!
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Ain’t that what life is all about? Seems a lovely lad and a lovely family Frank – not a baseball fan but I will look out for their results now GO REDS!
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GFB,
Teddy is such a positive character … and every time I’ve talked to his parents, they are very pleasant and humble. … and even overwhelmed with the time demands on them.
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I loved him too dear Frank, he is amazing man. I watched with my tears… Thank you, have a nice day, love, nia
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Nia,
Like me, joys of joy and pride.
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Put me to SHAME over how many times I’m down and think “poor me.”
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John,
Great point as I imagine your words are appropriate for most of us!
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How inspiring. Fabulous share a Frank.
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Audra,
Absolutely … thanks for watching!
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His parents are an inspiration as well. Very special people
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“I love my life!” How inspiring. Delightful and profound story at the same time.
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Georgette,
Fabulous .. and well said!
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That was such a nice story. Thanks, Frank.
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Jim,
Glad you enjoyed it.
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“I love my life”….me, too FrankA. Is it too cold this morning to take another walk around your neighbourhood? So, so many things to be thankful for….
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Jots,
That’s a great line! … It was a bit nippy this morning for a neighborhood walk. But wait … this post from several days ago fits the bill. https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2013/11/04/on-seeds/
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I watched the whole thing, Frank. What a wonderful story. And Teddy is a very special person. He’s so cool!
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Cathy,
The fact that you watched the whole thing caused me to smile … many thanks! … and he is special indeed!
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A most inspiring story, Frank. Thanks. I can identify because my sister, who is 13 years younger than I, is also mentally handicapped. Some say we can not afford programs for everybody, programs that, among other things, accomodate people like Teddy, but I say it is a matter of priority.
I submit that how these situations are handled is a measure of a society’s maturity. And it would sure help if a certain political party would stop being obstructionist about reforming the healthcare system. They typically support the meme that economic prosperity is proportional to merit, and that its opposite somehow equates to some kind of character flaw. Teddy’s story shows one aspect of how people are not money and need to be valued differently.
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Jim,
I love your line about the measure of society’s maturity. Outstanding! Thanks for sharing your personal story, which has widen your perspective about the issue.
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Goodness Frank- you got me all emotional (& I’m at work!).
I watched this as I’m waiting for a long report to run. It’s still running in the beckground as I comment too.
LOVE his parents, LOVE him, LOVE the REDS (not as much as the Red Sox though – lol), & LOVE you for sharing this.
My brothers like to venture out to different ballparks when they get a chance. If they ever go to a Reds game – I will tell them to keep an eye out for Teddy.
When you see him – please tell him that he’s got a new fan & pass a fist bump from me to him.
My heart is 🙂 *SMILING BIG* 🙂 after reading your post & watching the video.
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RoSy,
His parents come across in the video just as they come across to me … very supportive and genuine. Meanwhile, when I see him, I’ll pass along the fist bump! Glad you enjoyed this one!!!!
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“he demonstrates what we should be – kind, positive, appreciative, personable, loyal, joyful for life” EXACTLY!!!!! What a being! 🙂
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Marina,
That is a great line from that segment. I just watched it again, and yes … my eyes are wet again.
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Good does happen. What a treasure Teddy is. While is obviously born with a sunny personality, his parents should also be applauded for realistically guiding him and being his champion. He’s found his slot – it fits perfectly. Nice find, Frank. This post should encourage others
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Mouse,
I had the feeling you would enjoy Teddy!
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I have been following the little tidbits i have seen regarding him and his experience with the Reds – I have wanted to know more – thanks for posting:)
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Kimberly,
If you didn’t, watch the entire video in one sitting … and you will learn about who Teddy is. Go Reds!
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I did – and I sent it to my sons. btw – peyton carved a pumpkin with the UC Bearcat logo – it was a bit difficult but really cool. I am trying to prolong the life by keeping it in my fridge!
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He can do it again next year, but add fire! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-cwIKqlW6MQ
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This is so heartwarming and inspirational, Frank. Thanks so much for sharing. Teddy is an absolute star. 🙂
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Slyvia,
Glad you enjoyed this!
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Very much, Frank.
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When I first heard this story on the radio I wondered if you’d heard about it, and only assumed you did because you enjoy baseball! LOL! I never dreamed you really knew this young man. This is really special, Frank. I loved the video!
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Debra,
Wow … his story made it to LA radio. Awesome! It’s a great story, so I hope you watch in all. Show it to Jay!
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Beautiful story!
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Hood,
It is great for sure …. and always worth the required 12 minutes!
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It was worth 12 mins!
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🙂
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Such a beautiful story of what we should ALL bring to LIFE! Enjoy every moment.. sharing Love along the way! 🙂 thank you for directing me here 🙂
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Sue,
Teddy is a special character, and sort of a local celebrity in our city. Everyone can learn from him!!!
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Yes, they have an unique ability in melting our hearts.. I think we could all do with loosing a vital gene if it made us like Teddy! 🙂
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He’s a gem, and I’m lucky to occasionally interact with him. Meanwhile, although I have a deep pocket of posts over a variety of topics, I’ll stop the avalanche.
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I had a huge smile on my face during almost the whole video! What an inspiration! All those downers out there should have an obligatory viewing of this…
Thanks for sharing, Frank!
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Dale,
Oh so much thanks for revisiting this past post. Teddy is a local personality, and it is so great how his story has touched people. In some ways, he’s oblivious to all the attention and role he’s played in it .. then again, that’s part of the beauty of it. He is simply something special!
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