Coaches, It's Okay!!!

[Reginald Rutledge]

I had the chance to talk with one of my best friends today, Greg Hardmon and usually Greg and I talk about 5 times a week. I've got many others that I talk to as well like that. Greg felt a little bad because of my daughter's death. God only knows the pain I am going through but I do still appreciate friends and life.

I told Greg it was okay to call me. My path has taken an unexpected turn so you have to forgive me if I am not serious about the game anymore. Since my daughter's death, so many things have changed in my life. That does not mean I don't like discussing the game with good friends and hearing all the jawjacking.

I have been very fortunate in my life to have been blessed to be Rhianna and Reginald's father. While it saddens me that she is not with me on earth, I watched her growth for 18.5 years. She was amazing. Some of you were like uncles and big brothers to Rhianna and she always appreciated it.

Both my wife and I lives have taken on new meaning. We have started her foundation. We just got a call from Texas Tech administrators who are flying to Arlington Monday and establish her an endowment scholarship $10,000 which will exist as long as Tech is in existence. Tech is flying the school and state flag at half mass on February 15th in her honor. Rhianna gave her organs to science as she was a pre-med student and now, her organs are giving life to more than 50 people. Minutes ago, I got a call from major league baseball star, Vernon Wells, that he and his wife are planting a tree in Rhianna's honor at his new home in Arlington. We are gonna have a ceremony for Rhianna.

We've got so many things going on such as scholarships, book deals, art collections, family and bereaved counseling, walkathons, etc. Rhianna touched so many lives and she was an inspiration to so many. If you have tried giving us our space, we appreciate it but it is really okay to talk about Rhianna. Heck, in her foundation, I have to work with her every day. I will be doing so for the rest of my life. So I just don't want you, my friends, to feel you have to avoid me by not calling me. It is okay, I promise you. I may be sad sometimes but my tears are tears of gladness. I am glad the type of person she was for 18.5 years. The sadness comes in that I don't get 18.5 more to have her. But I don't get to choose.

All I can do and will continue to do is make her foundation special. So it is okay as I do appreciate the goodwill.

http://www.vernonwellsfoundation.org...0_rhianna.html
http://www.amazingrhianna.org/

Reg