I Said I Could Bring Towels, Umbrellas, a Hairdryer, Whatever, But She was Good. A Warrior in All She Does, Including Parenting a Star Soccer Player

When Kelly Chandler-Olcott texts to say that her son, Quinn, has a soccer game at the University of Bridgeport and wonders if I'm free to attend, I clear the calendar. Any time with my mentor and academic cartographer is a great day. Of course I went. Their team lost, but that's okay. I got quality time with a human I admire, look up to, and value in my life. 

It's hard to believe that so many years have gone by since I gave her Kentucky bourbon in 2007 and she did a shot with me in 2011, when I had my dissertation defense. That was yesterday, but a long ways away from the time she molded and guided me into the thinker, doer, and literacy scholar that I am. There are few words that can capture the value Dr. Kelly Chandler-Olcott has had on my life. 

I watched the Weather Channel all day and saw a window of no precipitation between 3 pm and 6 pm, the exact time for the game (luck for us). It remained windy and cold, but it was dry enough to sit in the bleachers for some sport, talent, and cheering (I remember when Quinn was a youngster and I was given the roll of keeping my eye on him in the RLAC office - a kid who outsmarted me when I challenged him who could say the alphabet backwards the fastest and he sprinted backwards into a wall while reciting his A, B, C's.)

Time flies, roles shift, but leadership continues. It was a superb day to spend a Sunday and I loved seeing Quinn's senior pictures and catching up on the state of the Universe with her. Easily one of the smartest people I've ever met and who lives by hard work, integrity, and perseverance. 

I'm a lucky son of a Butch, and Dr. Kelly Chandler-Olcott is proof of this. I am so thankful to have learned from her, written alongside her, and benefited from all she invested into me.

Ah, here's to the week ahead. I've been refueled.