The athlete's perseverance and sacrificial character is assumed before the athlete performs. Then, as they compete, they fall. It is a moment of collapse that ends their expected accomplishment. It breaks my heart.

This last year, during a dominoes game, I did the uncharacteristic and unusual practice during one of our games. I won. I won.

There have been many things in life that I have failed. There are more things I have failed at in life than I have succeeded in. I could fill up Blogs for the next year listing everything I have failed at in this life.

The athlete's years of preparation, personal and financial planning for the sport they love. The athlete's perseverance and sacrificial character is assumed before the athlete performs.

So, as a six-grade kid, I learned from that episode, that I would never be in a car with others drinking alcohol. It was a commitment that I made for myself.

I remember one night of skating when I was in the 6th grade. A friend and I went roller skating on the “teen night.” The roller-skating rink was about a 20-minute car ride from home. 

I knew when we finished skating her older sister would be there to give us a ride home. Unbeknownst to me, her teen sister was driving the car with three other teens her age. 

I put the box down. I then leaned toward the box so I could pick up the bat. Well, the bat had other ideas…

Having raised baby chicks, I knew light would get some warmth on the bat. The bat was still playing dead, but I also sensed he was cold, not dead. It was a bit chilly on this winter January day.