Thinking Pink

I love the initiative that the Women's Basketball Coaches' Association (WBCA) started a couple of years ago. Through women's college basketball, they started "Think Pink" nights. Pink has long been the color associated with breast cancer awareness. These Think Pink events support breast cancer research and awareness. Specifically, the contributions collected on these nights are designated as part of the Coach Kay Yow fund.

Coach Yow was a longtime women's college basketball coach at NC State. She was an amazing and inspiring lady. I had the oppportunity to not only meet her, hear her give a presentation to an official's group, but also referee one of her games at UNC-Charlotte. It was a priviledge and an honor. Unfortunately, Coach Yow lost her battle to breast cancer this year. Women's basketball lost a true treasure.

As a referee, I have had the opportunity to be involved in many Think Pink basketball games. We wear hot pink whistes for two weeks every February. This year, with the passing of Coach Yow, they extended those dates. It is heartwarming to see the coaches and teams get involved in this. The fans are also encouraged to wear pink to the games. I have seen whole coaching staffs wearing pink Crocs shoes, pink shoelaces, headbands, t-shirts, whole pink uniforms, etc. If it's pink, someone is wearing it. It is such a cool experience and so much fun.

Last year, the men's teams got involved too! I guess they saw the fun they were missing out on. This past Wednesday was Think Pink night at Brevard College. The coach's team wore pink warm-up shirts. The coach and his assistants all were sporting the pink. They were so handsome. Real men wear pink and support breast cancer research for the women in their lives!

I support breast cancer research for my Mom's sister Camille. My Aunt Camille had a double masectomy at the age of 29. Thankfully, she beat the odds and is 14 years in remission. Let's find a cure!

Little Things...

It truly is the little things that make a life, a day, even a moment. I have been so blessed to have lots of little things lately.

One little thing that I am incredibly thankful for is our incredibly cool, 8 year old princess. She has recently decided that she is waaay too cool to associate with the coach and I at school. A slight nod of the head, a quick smile, maybe a wave... that's it. Thankfully, this little princess still gives us the little things outside of school. It's like magic... as soon as we're in the van... hugs, kisses, and "I missed you". It's then that I realize, she's still our sweet girl, just growing up... changing... a little different.
Recently, that change and difference in her made my heart skip a beat. She is and has always been an incredibly perceptive soul. So, when she asked what was bothering me recently, I told her. It was yet another personnel issue. The princess listened intently, asked questions and even at one point apologized for asking so many questions, saying "I'm sorry if I'm asking so many questions, I'm just interested." Is this kid really human? How did I get so lucky? The princess was yet again my ray of light, my optimist, my little thing.

The coach is amazing at doing the little things. The funniest little thing this week was when I had gotten home really late from a tough ballgame. He simply got up and left the room. I'm thinking... um... Where are you going? Are you ignoring me? That's weird.

Nope. He had definitely been paying attention. He came back in the room and set a Little Debbie Swiss Cake Roll down beside me on the couch and then proceeds to sit back down in his chair. Now, if you know me, you know that one of the only vices I have in life is chocolate. It doesn't even have to be fine chocolate... hence, the Swiss Cake Rolls. But, it's 10:30pm! I look over at him to protest and he cuts me off... "Just eat it. I know it will make you feel better." And... yep... he was right. So, thanks go to the coach for those two sweet tasty little things that are now on my thighs.

The addition of the pup to our lives has definitely not been a little thing. It has quite honestly been a huge thing. But... the running to meet me at the door, the whining to get to be in the same room with me and the face licks are all little things that have added immensely to my life. I could have never anticipated the joy she has brought to me, the coach and the princess.

I am also thankful for these little things since I last posted...
... a Mom who calls just to help me pass the time when she knows I am on the road to a ballgame.
... a Mother-in-Law who sends envelopes full of all kinds of interesting things, just like her mother did for her.
... a brother who is also a basketball official and is getting the opportunity to go to the state playoffs this year.
... a friend who is back on track after a nasty divorce.

Because of these little things and more... I am a happy girl!