I actually met Sarah first through her boyfriend Joe - whom NI sent to CT the first year they introduced CSAs. We talked about bringing more Texas teams to CT as he was impressed by the level of competition. He is a great person too, and through him Sarah and I became internet friends.
We saw each other at Championships over the years. This past year I was doing my typical "circle through the fields" thing and Sarah popped up suddenly with a present. No one brings me presents, I was floored. It was a very girly gift, and certainly something I love, and totally unexpected. I think she also bought girl scout cookies for the refs on the other fields, but I may be mistaken. I definitely remember gs cookies for the refs because I may have stolen a few
I got to assign her for CMP as a head referee. Watching her find out she was head reffing over the internet warmed my heart, especially after the exhausting season she had. This was a tough game, and she worked a lot of events, but she handled it with exasperated grace. The last thing I said to her in person was teasing her for being so animated and focused on Einstein. She beamed.
In working on districts I have come to know more of the Texas leadership, and I know that Sarah was a great asset to them. My heart cries for her, her family, and her friends, and she is in my thoughts. I wear her gifts as a reminder of her joy and to give joy to others everyday, as you never know what the future will bring.
Thank you Sarah, for touching my life. I only hope I can do the same.