Never say goodbye

"You could have won that race. You know that, right?"

A memory I'll always remember.

I was second.

Overwhelming praise for first.

Condolences for third on down.

Lost in the shuffle.

Except by that unique person, that coach who said "Beth?"

I am Beth. That is Jean Ann.

I have MS. She has ALS.

I will ski tomorrow. She will see her daughter perform one last time.

We will both win.

She will end her baptismal journey.

I can't say goodbye.

"Beth?"

Her words,
her caring,
will remain with me always.

Peace.