I wrote this when Elena and Grant were in the process of getting married. I spoke at the dinner. This is what I said.

One Elena story.

Elena was a senior in high school, captain of the softball team.  In my book, she was one of the two best players I knew.   Elena had just come home from a softball game. 

I was in my office, probably studying or pretending to be doing so.  “Dad can I talk to you about something?”  I found this rather strange.  Elena and I talk about everything, but she has never approached me in that way. I am thinking.  I must have said something like “sure”.  As you can see I am a rather verbose individual.   

She told me that something strange had happened in the softball team.  I could tell she wanted to talk about it.   She was in the softball team, center field.  One of the opposing players had hit a long fly ball,  Elena could not get to it.  Somehow it went past the fence.  Blue (Umpire) was not nearby.  Blue asked her.  Did it go over the fence or through the hole in the bottom of the fence.  This was an important decision.  If it  had gone over the fence, Elena’s team had basically lost since this would have been a homerun by the opposing team.  They would have scored one run in extra innings and the game would be over.  LaSalle would have lost the game.  More importantly to me, Elena’s team  would have lost the game.  Or did it go under the fence, or through the hole at the bottom of fence.  If it had gone through the hole at the bottom of the fence, it would have been a ground rule double.  LaSalle would not have lost.  If they could stop the opposing team, and score in the next inning, the game would be over.  Can you guess what Elena, my Elena said?

Blue, It went over the fence.  

LaSalle lost, game was over. 

I was not there.  Elena was apprehensive.  She did not know how she was going to be approached by the other players, or their parents.  Many of the parents and some of the players were upset at Elena.  She then arrived at home and told me the story.  I just said not to worry about it.  She did the right thing.  On my insides I was thinking I was going to have a talk with Coach Crotty. I was a bit upset.  I did not tell Elena. I never did speak to him but I did not have to. 

The next day she arrived home once more.   I am not sure if there had been a game or if it was just practice.  That is not important.  Apparently, sometime during the game or practice, the other players and the parents in some way apologized to her.  I was very happy they did although to this day I have never told her.  I have actually never spoken to her about this.  In a subsequent game which I did go to, it was either travel ball or another high school, I met several of the parents on the team.  I do not remember well their names nor what they looked like but I do remember how proud they were of Elena.  I went to a game where we were playing and Coach Crotty mentioned what had happened.  I could tell he was proud too. 

I was very proud of her.  I still am. 

I myself, if going through that same experience as a player, I would like to think I would have made the same decision she did.  I think I would have,  I am not really sure.  That does take a very brave individual. 

I am very proud of you Elena