#10 and Friends
Another emotional event in the month of May. This time Heather’s graduation.
First, a little bit about #10.
She is quite a bit like me. The determination, the high standards, the withering stares when those standards are not met, the deep caring that is not always visible on first (or second) glance, and the worry that comes along with that caring.
Athletics has been a big part of Heather’s life, but that’s not who she is. The qualities that she brings to the field and to the court are who she is. She works hard, she supports her teammates, she handles intense pressure, she deals with disappointments, and she is willing to do what is called for – be that take the shot or make the pass. While her competitive playing days may be over, I know she will continue to win going forward, and I will continue to enjoy watching her.
Now the friends.
The insight I have into this group of friends is primarily through Instagram photos and clever Christmas cards that I’m not allowed to share with extended family. So I don’t have many details, which is probably a good thing. But, this is what I have picked up on. This friendship was established in a chain reaction. Ashley and Heather through basketball. Heather and Lexi through soccer. Lexi and Jenni as cousins. Jenni and Chrissy during freshman year. Ashley and Heather helped each other through the challenges they faced on their respective teams, and I still remember the look of concern on Ashley’s face when Heather tore her ACL. Lexi and Heather didn’t hit it off at first. At tryouts freshman year, Lexi was way too friendly for Heather’s tastes, and Lexi didn’t like the fact that Heather was stone faced and showed no signs of a personality. Heather came to realize that the Lexi’s friendliness is authentic, and Lexi discovered that Heather does, in fact, have quite a personality. When the soccer team won the conference championship, Jenni was the most effusive in her happiness for Lexi and Heather, partly because she was relieved she wouldn’t have to put up with them after a loss and help them get through it. And I’ve heard the most stories about Chrissy because of what she says or does to make Heather laugh.
As a graduation gift, Heather made a photo book for the girls that included two quotes that they use with each other. On the back of the book is “Don’t cry because it is over. Smile because it happened.” This was a special time for you girls. Always smile about that. On the front of the book is “If you are not living on the edge, you are taking up too much space.” I hope all of you keep living on the edge so that you will have as much fun in your future as you have had in your past.
