I was late to work this morning. It took me 20 minutes to get into the office.... and I honestly cried the whole way. I couldn't stop thinking about a man that has had a significant impact on my life.A few of us friends have been passing emails back & forth -- each filled with thoughtful and sincere compliments of a man that has impacted our lives. He was more than a coach to us. He was a role model and a "2nd dad" that happened to coach us on the soccer field.
For a lot of us, he coached us from a very young age (probably 6 years old) until the State Soccer Championship our senior year. He never got paid. He spent a lot of hours with us. All I can remember were good times and lots of hugs.
Bill cared about us individually more than he ever cared about winning. He taught us lessons about life because he knew that
we would listen to him.I have no idea how many hours he missed at the office. Honestly, I'm not sure what kind of job would allow him to spend so much time with a team of boys. He was always there.
It's been probably 5+ years since I've seen Bill. I'm sure the last time I saw him, he came up to me and give me a big hug -- that's the type of man that he is.
Though the passing of loved ones is not new to my friends and me -- we've been through a lot of these types of situations in our short 26 years -- I've been crying all day. Memories have been racing through my mind -- what a great man!
Thank you Bill Fletcher. You were a selfless man that loved all. You saw the best in each of us (no matter what struggles we were going through). You have left a legacy that I hope to follow.
1 comment:
I too was made aware of Bills death late Sunday night, when I was in my kitchen and happened to overhear the lady on the news mention the loss of William Fletcher- I immediately went to the computer to see what other info I could gather- it couldn't be the Bill Fletcher that not only coached me all growing up, but a man that motivated and inspired me in every sense of the word. Bill was one of the most genuine, caring and upstanding individuals I’ve befriended in my 27 years. Some of my best childhood memories are directly related to the relationship with "Coach" he was a father figure to all of us- and taught us all so much more than soccer. I for one can say I'm a better person thanks to Bill, you will truly be missed and never be forgotten. My thoughts go to all of you guys, brock, mike, tyson, byrne, whitby -we had some great experiences with him, all those tournaments and traveling, Ill remember those years for the rest of my life!
Post a Comment