Fall is the season for remembrance

Mark called and we talked. "Fall is the season for remembrance" and it is indeed. 20 years since Weiming passed away, 5 since Jonathan chose to end his life, less than a year since Mark Reedy was taken away from us. A friend who taught me volleyball, a student I nurtured in volleyball and I teammate I enjoyed playing the sport with, all taken away before their time. I knew this time of the year is always terrible to get through and it didn't help that Clint asked if I would get a tattoo if he died. I don't think my heart could bear that sorrow. Not him, not Kyle, not any more of those I hold dear. So I snapped at him because I was miffed at Matt Lang for dumping his friend for us to carry in the games. It's such a small thing and nothing I couldn't have shrugged off any other time but I was barely holding it in. It's almost laughable now that I think about it but I'm too morose to indulge in the ludicrosity of the childish outburst.

I sent an apology, took a long walk on campus and had a long hot bath. Fall is the season for remembrance. As Mark remembers his high school buddy who died in the World War and I remember my fallen comrades from the sport that is so much a part of my life, we share in our remembrance of our dear friends. For me to live while they are gone is a gift and so long as I have this gift, I will continue to make a difference in the lives of others. Thank you Mark. For your assurance that a few tears is not inappropriate in our remembrance of those we lost. Thank you Mark for sharing your story. I am a better person for having shared the gift that is your story.

Mark's postscript to me: I'm not 20 anymore. Remember that.