Let’s not forget to celebrate the comebacks

I took only one photo at Drake this year. It was this one.

Marley and her “hypothetically threw away bib number” bib number. I made her hold it and smile for me because there’s a little irony in it. This is her fourth year at Drake. Fourth year of the bib number shuffle. So of all the kids that may have, “hypothetically” lost a bib number, you wouldn’t expect it to be her.

But that’s the thing that made it a picture worthy moment. This year, this season, for Marley was not expected. Hoped for, yes. Expected, no.

This fall she was sidelined by a major injury. A fractured femur had her on crutches instead of racing her senior year state cross country championships.

And here she is. Back. Better. As perfect and polished as she wants it to be? No. But she’s here. She’s running. Racing even. She battles her patience. Digs deep to give herself and her body the grace it deserves. Just like that make shift, custom bib number replacement we put together in the last minute, Marley is piecing herself back together. Making it her own, in her own way.

I’m proud of her. We are all proud of her.

We celebrate our young people for many worthy reasons. Winning. Records. Firsts.

Let’s not forget to celebrate the comebacks. The get back up and try agains. The perseverance. The make their own ways. The show-ups.

Let’s not forget to celebrate the Marleys.

We sure our celebrating ours

Who is your Marley? Let her know you are cheering her on.

#playyou

Coach D

Thanks for reading and sharing. I hope it leaves you encouraged.