Like punching in a dream breathing life into the nightmare.

Last night I found out one of my childhood mentors was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that has metastasized throughout his body. He has been given 6 months to a year left to live his life. His family, friends, and the dozens and dozens of girls he has mentored through softball are devastated by this news because it feels like all we can do at this point is pray for his comfort and a miracle.

It's devastating to hear that this man may not be around for the next softball season and that so many girls will miss out on having such an amazing and inspirational coach. My mentor pushed me to my limits through sports and made me a better player and person because of it. He would not accept less than our best and when we weren't up for it he pulled us out of the game. He taught me the importance of teamwork and that a team is only as strong as their weakest player. Which is why I am so fiercely competitive on the ice and on the field. Because of him I can not accept anything but the best from myself.

Being so far away form home right now, I don't know when I will get the chance to see him soon, but I hope that I do get that chance. The girls on my old softball team have really banded together to be there for our coach and for each other. Whether we played together or not, every one of us knows what it means to be a part of his team because we are Fred's Girls.