Often in my columns I write about the wonderful and important relationships I have with the women in my life, past and present.  Mama was key and the first woman in my life that to this day still has a presence that continues to mold me.  My Aunts and mama’s friends played such a major part in my life both as a child and then when I no longer had mama and finally my girlfriends.  A day does not go by that I am not incredibly thankful for the current women in my life, frankly they complete my soul.

But what about the men that have had such impact and influence on who I have become and what I hope to become.  First and foremost I have to talk about my dad.  Funny, having such a strong mama you would think Daddy would have gotten lost in the shuffle. He kind of did or at least I thought so.  It is clear that I was a true to form Daddy’s girl and I wear that badge proudly.  Daddy did, and still does have a quiet solid personality.  The best thing about Daddy is he was always there, dependable and solid.  He said he would do something, it was done, always!

The only time Daddy and I struggled was when he was asked to Coach my softball team.  All the girls adored my Daddy.  Daddy was sweet, patient, understanding and thoughtful. To everyone…except me!  It took a long time but I finally realized it was only because he expected more from me because well because he should.  I hate it took me so long to realize that.

During that time other great men came into my life, most of them through sports.  I had great coaches and believe it or not great umpires.  Many years after playing ball these men went on to do other very important things to make our community a great place to grow up.  My first coach was Norman Wheeler, a fine and steady man that became one of our great Chairman’s.  A man with solid leadership and integrity that went completely uncompromised, Norman was a class act.

Then there were the umpires.  I had Coach Earl O’Neal, he was a hoot, first time he called a strike I pitched scared me to death.  The man had a booming voice and the softest kindest heart you could ever fine.  He served in the Legislature, again we as a community could not have been luckier!   Finally, Coach Cleveland Stroud.  What a umpire, what a Coach but more importantly what a man.

Coach Stroud taught all of us kids just by being Coach.  A man that could take control by being quiet, steady and strong.  I never played basketball for him but I saw him in action on the court.  What a treat!  Behind the plate and on the field he was fair, smart and unconditional support and devotion to all of us kids.  Coach taught not only sportsmanship on the field but in life…where at the end of the day it matters.

This past weekend I had the pleasure to attend the dedication of the Rockdale County Gym in his honor.  What a special evening.  To see this giant of a man so profoundly honored was amazing.  Former Coaches, players, friends and current leaders brought together by one man.  Amazing!  The kicker he doesn’t really get all the fuss in his mind everything he has accomplished is due to everyone around him.  His beautiful wife, great children and us.  He is humbled and sincerely so by the fact that he has been lucky in life simply by being in his place.  That is what he says, I say and I hope you all feel the same we are the lucky ones.  So thank you Coach, thanks for everything you may say we make you proud, no sir you are the one who makes us proud!