Those minutes when the birds are the loudest right before the sun rises.

Cold.

I check the weather to confirm my decision. I am going to need to change.

I look for the fox but they are nowhere to be found.

Yeah, I really gotta put the braids back in. Too much work to only pull it back into a bun.

So much psychology.

The more we talk, the longer the to-do list becomes. But it’s a generative conversation, good questions, a few solutions.

Not another one.

He mentions that I’ve been to every game. I remind him that half of the softball team plays basketball. And isn’t this what we should do as coaches? Support the entire athletics program when we can? And isn’t it what the community does? Supports one another?

Each of his at bats is better and better. This was really all he needed - a few full games to see the ball and find his timing. There is always next year.

Tied in the 6th. Tied in the 7th. Tied in the 8th. Bottom of the 9th, base hit brings one home for the win. Season isn’t over for him yet. Championship game in two days.

Another post-game meal at Gott’s. Plus wine. Plus laughter.