Hopie had her first water polo game tonight. She scored two goals! A ton of people came to watch-the Aulisas, the Calders, Aunt Gretchen, Grandma Elsie, Grammy and Grandfather, Uncle Jordan, Grandma Joonie and Gary, Mrs. Judge, Connor, Ellery, (there might have been more).
She told me on the way home though that she started crying during the National Anthem (they taped Emily Manuell singing it) because you weren't there for her first game. I told her later on, "I think he was there." You wouldn't have missed it for anything!
It was funny because I was thinking how insignificant your first game was because you had no idea what you were doing and we had no idea what water polo even was. Who knew then how much playing water polo would affect your life. The friends you made, the skills you developed-there are so many things. You paved the way for your sister and brother too simply by being willing to try something new.
The thought has crossed my mind that maybe if you hadn't have been involved with water polo you would still be alive today since the accident happened on your way to coaching water polo. I don't think that's how it works. Water polo was your life. A big, happy part of it. You wouldn't have wanted it any other way. It was part of who you were.
You should have seen all of the boys in WWP last night after Hope's game. The pool was full! I took a picture-there were about 50 boys. You would have been so proud. I'm sure that you are part of the reason for drawing attention to the sport and the club. Thank God for you, Hayden Milton Smith! You blessed the world in so many ways! Water polo is part of your legacy. Your influence and impact will last for generations!
No comments:
Post a Comment