My daughter Manteee (Samantha) has shown me a path that I like traveling. She has been and will continue to be an inspiration in my life. Her fearless nature and competitive qualities have swelled my heart. I am so lucky to have her as my daughter. She loves playing softball. Her competitive nature shows up in many facets of game. As a second baseman she dives for groundballs that have a chance of getting to outfield. She races for fly balls and pop ups that she must get and usually does get. While batting she will take one for team. She will allow a hard pitched ball to hit her so she can get on base. She will stand up to any pitcher, no matter how hard they throw, to get her swings in. On bases is where she is fearless. Diving or sliding into a base with no apparent concern for her body has often scared me. Taking the extra base when most girls just stand around has earned her a thumbs up from her coaches.

Remember when you were in High School. So many characters and personalities. Here’s one I think you’ll relate to.

Gillie was Paul Bunyon of my neighborhood. He had 20-22 biceps, and a neck almost as round. Weighing 220 pounds, he stood six feet one inch and had no fat on his body. I had never seen any one like him in my life. He ambled when he walked. The kind of walk someone has when they know they have nothing to fear. His nickname was Mr Clean. He looked a lot like cleaning icon. Except Gillie had no earring.