Winning One for Coach

Softball is not going to be the same anymore. Our softball coach died of a sudden, massive heart attack this week. He was 59.

Coach was the heart and soul of not only the team, but the league. He was a little firecracker out there. Always playing with full vigor. He played with such intensity, he always gave 110%. He blew it a few times, lost perspective on the game, but was always quick to repent, to ask forgiveness. He understood life. He understood forgiveness. He was an example to us.

We had a game today. We didn't know whether we should play. Then we thought about Coach. We realized he would be upset if we let something like his death keep us from playing ball on Saturday. So we decided to play in his honor.

We were able to do that today. Before the game, we had a moment of silence for him with the other team (many of whom are not believers). We were also able to share a story about Coach, about how he recently told the kids at his school (he was a P.E. teacher) how when you mess up in games, you need to ask forgiveness. He told them that the most important thing at the end of the day was knowing God, to experience His love and forgiveness. It was a sweet and real testimony to all of us.

Also, we were able to pencil in his youngest son who arrived from America last night. Coach's wife and her two sons came to the game. Coach would have been proud. His son hit a triple to start the game. That is how Chris would have wanted it.

The game was uneventful. We beat the Embassy 14-10. We continued our winning streak which is now at 7 games. Coach would have liked that too.

Monday we will attend a memorial service. I have been selected by the team to read a collection of quotes about baseball that Coach loved. It will be a bittersweet honor. Coach loved life, he loved baseball/softball, he loved his friends and family, but most importantly he loved his Lord Jesus Christ. It was a privilege to know him. It was a privilege to call him "Coach".

One other thing: After the games on Saturdays, Coach would write up a game summary. It was always fun to read. At the end of this summary (and his other emails), he would sign off, "Rounding third and headed for home, Coach."

Well, Coach, now you are "Rounding third and headed for Glory!"

Rounding third and headed for home,

Tim

Comments

[Christy]

I don't know what time it is there, but I'll say a prayer for you today at the funeral.

I'm sure God can make it retro-active. ;)

Christy