The Difference A Day Makes....

I have been hesitant to write this post, but here goes.  The day after my last entry, the life of a family changed forever. A fellow soccer mom was traveling to work on Monday morning, October 21st, and did not make it there.  She died in a head-on collision at 36 years old.

Her name was Melina Hernandez.  Her daughter is Emily.  Corinna got to know his family last year as Emily and Corinna were on the same team.  Melina loved to cheer the girls on.  She had a distinct laugh.  She loved to give to others.  Corinna spent the night with Emily.  Melina took them to a nail salon.  We recently went to Emily's 10th birthday party at a local skating rink.

Melina's life was cut short.  None of us are promised tomorrow. Corinna and Emily play on different teams this year.  Yet, the teams practiced together twice a week.  In fact, the day before Melina died, the date of my last post, the sister teams played one another. We were all together at the field.  Now when we all gather as a NC United soccer family, we are missing a soccer mom.

Corinna spoke at Melina's memorial service. I was unable to attend but she spoke from her heart.  The teams got arm bands with Melina's initials.  They finished the season keeping her memory alive. 

This past weekend out soccer club held a coaches tournament.  The games had been scheduled before Melina's death but ended up being played in her memory.

Monetary donations were collected for the family and nearly $1,000 was raised.  We continue to do our best to support this family.  Our hearts ache for them as they will forever mourn the loss of Melina.

When we see Emily's smile we will think of the legacy of life Melina left behind.