When I was a kid I was taught that when you run faster, work harder, and think not only broadly but quickly, you will win bigger. The lessons that I learned in my childhood have followed me throughout my life, and on this day I am reminded of the man that taught me.
I did not come by my coach by chance. This was a decision that was made for me by my mother and by the athleticism in my sister that my coach considered to be a family trait. And while it was not my choice that placed me on his team, it was my decisions and trust in this man that kept me there. The years that I played for Joe were always filled with laughter and triumph as he taught my friends and I what success tasted like. Together we learned how eleven different girls could become one cohesive unit, and in turn we taught our coach how a team of rowdy twelve year old's could become a family.
Today, we laid to rest one of the solid figures of my childhood. And though words may not be enough to convey what this man meant to me, and how he shaped the individual that I am today, they stand as a testament to who he was. I stand as a testament to the type of decision maker and ambitious young woman that he hoped for all of his girls to be. Today, I remember you coach; and I thank you for leading me to a life that promises so much more than first place trophies.
I love how clearly you have described my dad. I am so moved each time I read this. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteNo matter how many times that I read this, it always brings me to tears. It's one thing to admire your father and hold him up in such high regard, but you can't help but wonder if it's because he is your father and whether the world sees him differently. But, this post and so many other comments from people that knew him confirm that he was just as amazing of a man that I always knew. I'm touched that you saw in him, what I see in him. I'm so proud of him for touching so many lives. And, I'm so grateful to you for memorializing it in such a beautiful way. Thank you.
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