13 Comments
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Jim Melvin's avatar

Thank you, Daniel. You are one of the best on all of Substack.

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Daniel O’Donnell's avatar

Thanks Jim. That’s so kind of you

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Wendy Parciak's avatar

It's impossible to overrate the importance of a good mentor.

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Daniel O’Donnell's avatar

This is another wonderfully touching entry in a great series, Jim. I’m so sorry to hear about the struggles your mum and stepdad had with alcohol and the hurt it caused you. Both my folks had the exact same issue and, because of that, I lost them far too young

However, I’m glad you found solace and inspiration through the coaching of your great mentor. Help always comes when you least expect it but need it the most

Thanks again for sharing these tales

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Alexander Ipfelkofer's avatar

Love this series, Jim!

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Caro Henry's avatar

Love this! Thanks for sharing, Jim!

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Jeanne Malmgren's avatar

This is so heartwarming. But also heartbreaking. Thank goodness that coach came into your life.

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Jim Melvin's avatar

Thank you!

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Jim Melvin's avatar

In ninth grade (back then middle schools were 7th-9th, not 6th-8th), I was voted most intelligent. It's been all downhill since then. 🤣 Same with baseball.

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Jim Melvin's avatar

Thank you, Alexander! I guess we all can relate in some regards. 😀

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Jim Melvin's avatar

This is so true.

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Daniel W. Davison's avatar

You were much more adept at baseball than I was!!!!

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Patris's avatar

Just wonderful. Pure happiness.

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