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| Bye Kristin. See you soon... |
The title of today's post was taken from Kristin's middle name (pronounced Yoost). I figured it appropriate to mention because Kristin and I have had many conversations about names. We talked about why our parents named us what they did and why we named our kids what we did. She said she never thought she'd marry a guy from Greece. I told her I never thought I'd marry a woman I met on a blind date. Our spouses, Tassos and Madelyn, have always been OK with this strange pairing of two strange people.
Kristin and Tassos' son, Ian, was born with a severe heart ailment and they weren't sure he would make it. And if he did, what quality of life would he have? He had trouble learning to talk as a toddler. The Kristin I talked to then would have given up every point, rebound, medal and trophy just to hear her baby boy say a few words. Well, Ian made it. Not only does he talk, it seems as if he is making up for all the words he couldn't say as a toddler.
Oh, and his heart ailment...what heart ailment? The kid has energy to spare and is every bit the train-loving, rough-housing six-year-old that Kristin and Tassos always wanted. I remember the first time we went out to lunch, Kristin said, "I'm not a dainty eater. Hope you're not put off by that." Didn't matter to me. I figured she wouldn't be grossed out when I went to get my second or third plate from the pizza buffet we frequented.
We rarely talk about sports. Kristin's not consumed by her playing career or anyone else's. Some former athletes can't wait for you to ask them about their careers and what it was like. Kristin would much rather tell you about her husband's professorship at St. Louis University or how her daughter Sophia likes to play dress-up by putting on mommy's shoes. Kristin is refreshing because she has found a way to do what so many athletes fail to do. Kristin actually retired.
All athletes stop playing at some point, but few retire. Kristin doesn't sit around wishing she could have one more shot at glory. She doesn't wear her old uniform under her clothes like some superhero costume waiting for a game to break out. My friend is a legend. My friend is also a friend. She was a great support when my mother-in-law, my sister and my niece all passed away in the same year. There has never been a time that Kristin did not show up for me when she said she would - whether it was something work-related or otherwise.
We're done working together, but we're not done. Because I know she'll read this, we'll do Qdoba next time. My treat. Kristin will be successful in whatever she does going forward because she has two rare qualities not seen in athletes or people in general: She is not in awe of herself and she can move without the ball. Godspeed, my friend.
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