Bronny – who already left in the other truck with Dubs and Nee, the happy couple that’s planning to get married this summer –let hercare for him.
Let her spoil him with attention and affection.
She stayed on top of his school stuff with him.
Made sure he had gym and weights timewith meto keep up his endurance training for lacrosse.
They went Christmas shopping together without me, to give me space, to give me a chance to just not be needed for a second.
It was the parental shift Grams warned us would naturally occur.
And it did.
Like a smooth fade from one to tune to the next.
During her final days we all spent time with her together as much as separately.
She embarked her last bits of wisdom – mostly in regards to dessert making and big pharma alternatives for basic ailments.
Made us swear to spend less time being sad about those we’ve lost and more time being grateful for the memories we had together.
It honestly just felt like a typical goodbye.
The type I’d been giving most of my life when it was time to go play in another city or state or country.
Coach – um – Mil came down with his parents for the memorial, missing a game along with Frosky’s New Years Eve wedding. Of course, Snowman understood and the boys all sent love to us while we sent them good vibes and cheers – and gifts to the wedded couple according to Gillybean.
It was hard missing that moment.
Other team moments.
Events.
Outings.
Dinners.
Games.
Fuck.
So many games.
Seeing Mil made it a little easier.
Plus, having him and his parents excited over our engagement definitely helped me skip the guilt track more than once.
In spite of hitting the nearest rink a few times a week to stay in shape and stay sane, getting back on the ice last month was still hard.
My first loss was expected.
The next accepted.
The third had me trying to bench myself, but there’s a reason I’m not the boss.
And a reason Hot Rocket fought so hard to sign me.
And after a little extra pracky with my goalie coach along with the boys in their spare time, I found my rhythm again.
