“It links up kids who have cancer or other life-threatening illnesses or chronic conditions with athletes who visit them regularly and do whatever they can to help the families. I was matched with a little girl who has leukemia. I went to see her at the hospital when she was in there, and I popped into some of her treatments ... and I ran some races in her name to raise money for the costs of her care and meds.”
“That’s cool.” I nodded. “I keep thinking there has to be a way I could give more back, you know? I realize I’m in an incredible position, and I don’t want that to go to waste. I’m just not sure how to do it or where I should start.”
Tate cocked his head. “Best place to start is where you’re passionate. Outside of football and uh ...” He motioned to the phone. “Um, important people in your life, what are you interested in? What matters to you? What has affected your life in a way that it’ll never be the same again?”
An idea was beginning to grow in my mind. “I think I have the answer to that. And maybe it’s something that would help out someone else I know, too.”
Leo:Hey, you still awake?
Quinn:Uh, yeah. It’s only nine. I’m not that feeble yet.
Leo:Forgot about the time difference. I just got home from Corey and Ellie’s house. Danny and Tate are out in the great room playing video games, drinking my booze and being obnoxiously loud.
Quinn:Oh, you poor thing. :p I don’t think I’ve ever seen Tate drunk or disorderly.
Leo:Yeah, you’re right. It’s mostly Danny. Tate’s just playing the game.
Quinn:So why aren’t you there with them?
Leo:I don’t know. Just not interested. And I wanted to talk to you. How was your wine tasting day?
Quinn:Fun. Kara’s very nice, and I think she’s glad to have another woman around. They work with a lot of guys in their business and charity.
Leo:Lots of guys, huh? Young, good-looking guys?
Quinn:Hmmmm ...
Leo:Hmmmmm?
Quinn:LOL no. Mostly middle-aged and married.
Leo:I like the sound of that. Okay, now that we have that out of the way, do you have a minute?
Quinn:I think I can spare you one or two. I’m just curled up, reading over some of the work Allan and I did this week.
Leo:Does it look good? Are you enjoying the work?
Quinn:I really am. It’s fascinating, listening to Allan talk about his career and about Gunner. He and Kara are both passionate about their charity, too.
Leo:Funny you say that. It’s kind of what I wanted to talk about. I’m thinking of starting a non-profit. I talked to Tate about it tonight.
Quinn:Seriously? That’s kind of random, isn’t it?
Leo:In a way, yes, but in another way, no. I’ve wanted to feel like I’m making a difference in some way for a while. I think I want to start up a program that helps young athletes with mental health issues. And I’m going to name it for Matt.
Quinn:Oh wow. That’s incredible. It’s a great idea.
Leo:Do you really think so? I wondered if maybe Gia would want to be part of setting it up. I was going to call her tomorrow.
Quinn:It would probably be good for her. She’s still struggling so much.
Leo:I’m going to sound all corny and shit and say maybe it would give us both a little closure.
Quinn:Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone you used that word. Your secret is safe with me.
Leo:I always knew I could trust you, Mia. So are you really doing okay out there? You know you can be real with me.
Quinn:Thanks, Dr. Leo. ;) Yeah, I am. It was hard at first, but I’m settled now, and I like what I’m doing. I’m getting used to living in the city ... I haven’t met anyone yet outside the Crockers and some of the people who work for them, but I’m not as homesick as I was.
