last year at track one of our girls kept showing up covered in bruises, and often didn’t have a ride home. so i mentioned it to the other coaches who are mandated reporters, but they didn’t think it was as big a deal as i did.

this year, she has cuts all over her wrist. and apparently she was hospitalized recently after a suicide attempt and there’s a whole lot of family drama going on.

and i want to reach out to her because i have been there and i remember what it’s like and maybe i could be someone for her to talk to. but the reason my dad can’t coach anymore is because he got overly involved with a girl who had a terrible home life and mental health issues. and i’m very wary of overstepping as a result of that. but i also remember an interview he gave after the trial where he said that yes it should be a cautionary tale to other coaches (not to offer rides or be alone one-on-one with the kids) but that he hopes it doesn’t keep people from helping the good kids who need it. and i’m really torn between wanting to try to help her somehow, and feeling like it’s not my place to do so.

but man i’m glad i’m not in middle school anymore. xc/track at that age was, to this day, one of the best times of my life. but i’m really glad i’m older and wiser and can see that even when things are shitty, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. when i was this girl’s age i never thought i’d live to be 25, but i’m really grateful to be here. i hope someday she gets here too.