On July 3, 2020, my dad was diagnosed with Leukemia. This type of news is the kind that you never think could happen to you or a loved one. Everything in life is going so well, then bam, It gets flipped upside down. Our return to campus was July 6 and the thought of me leaving my dad at this time was just tearing at my heart. I knew it was the right thing to do since I wouldn't get to make any hospital visits with all of the new COVID rules. Needless to say, leaving that day and waving goodbye to my mom and dad as I pulled out of the driveway, knowing the fight my dad had ahead of him, was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.
Upon my return to campus to begin practicing with my team who I missed so much during our many months apart, I could not have felt more love and support, not only from them, but especially from my coaches as well. I was so overwhelmed and grateful for these people that God blessed me with in my life and always will be. They are like my family away from home who comforts me, challenges me, picks me up and keeps a smile on my face through these trying times.
When we first heard the news about our season being canceled, we weren't all that surprised, but it still left a weird and kind of sad feeling. Through many conversations and speculations about wondering if we get another chance like the spring sports did last semester, we finally got the good news. My team was and still is ecstatic about being given the opportunity to play an extra season together next fall. For me personally, all I could initially think about was seeing my mom and dad in the stands, watching my last season ever playing volleyball; an image prior to this NCAA announcement that I didn't think was going to be possible due to my dad being in the hospital during what was supposed to be our season.
Sometimes we just can't understand why "bad" things like this happen, until we see the good that comes along with it. Even though the current times may be challenging, I am so incredibly thankful for the things that I do have: my dad has been so strong and is doing very well in his battle, I get to play two more seasons with my amazing team, I get to make so many extra memories with them that I wasn't supposed to make, I get to learn from and continue to build very close relationships with my coaches, and I get to walk with my parents in Diddle Arena on my senior night, surrounded by the best fans in the nation. This whirlwind, I'm grateful for.
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GO TOPS!
Hallie Shelton
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