I didn’t even know coach Lynn. She was a woman who was loved by all. She had this radiant smile that was simply contagious.
She died. In a tragic car crash. By a semi she didn’t see. On her way to a swim meet. Something she had always done for over 40 years. Something she loved doing. Something she was great at.
Yesterday was the first time all the team members met for practice. I thought i was lucky to be too sick to take simon to practice. Because i knew that it was going to be painful for everyone. Painful for me to watch the pain.
Lo, today, i took simon to practice. I walked in and stared at her empty chair, where she usually sits after practice. “I am not going to cry. I am not going to cry.” I foolishly try convincing myself that i didn’t know her so therefore, i won’t cry. I walked into the pool area to hug a friend for her birthday. She was close to coach Lynn. I foolishly tried to convince myself that the hugs were birthday hugs. Silly me.
I walked into her office, staring at the chair. The swim coordinator, who was always in the office, was there. I simply gave her a hug. Then i gave simon’s coach a hug.
Then the pain began. Tears rolled down my face as i watched the pain on their faces.
Coach Lynn, you are loved and will be missed.
The children look sad as they practice…still, they practice. The team must go on. Her legacy continues, even with just her spirit near the pool, smiling that radiant smile of hers.
