Rasean
Once upon a time on April 2, 2022, the first track meet in Milton Freewater, OR wrapped up. I thanked my kid's coach for all her time and effort. I told her I really appreciated it. Her response, on the other hand, is something that took me by surprise. Not, "Thank you!" Not, "No problem." Not, "I'm so glad you guys could make it." Nope. It was more like, "I'm so glad Rasean is on the team. He's a real inspiration to everyone, especially the other boys." I thanked her and went on my way like we'd just exchanged pleasantries. But something about the way she said it made me believe she really meant it -- like really meant it. As volunteers rolled up flags and posted finals scores I walked away from her to the Honey Bucket. Why was I so in awe at her response?? Once in the Honey Bucket, it became a time capsule. Suddenly I was transported to the years and decades I'd safely tucked in the back of my mind. There she wa