Page 65 of The Transfer
Reagan,
I don’t know what you’re thinking as you open this letter. Hopefully, my son is beside you, and you can both laugh at his sappy dad. But if he’s not, please take these words to heart and let them guide your path with Riggs.
You, darling girl, have put the breath of life back into my son. He has spent the better part of the past year living in darkness and looming death. Even before that, basketball consumed his life. I haven’t seen him smile and truly live until he met you. For that, I will forever be grateful.”
I also want you to know that my death is going to be devastating for my wife. Riggs will be strong for her because she will need to lean on him. With that, I need you to do something for me, ok?
Don’t give up on my son. He’s going to push you away. He will try to carry this on his own because he wants to be the strong one. He will suffer in silence, and it will eat him alive. Give him grace, but don’t let him live in grief too long.
I have a feeling that whether you walk beside him during his grief or watch from the sidelines for a bit, he will find his way to you. What you two have is special, even an old dying man can see it.
I’m so grateful I could meet you and spend time with you before I leave. I know my wife and son are in good hands with your amazing family, and especiallywith you. You shine bright, Reagan. My son’s nickname for you is spot on. You’re sunshine to all around you.
Thank you, dear Reagan. For all you’ve done and all that you will do.
Joel Hart
GROUP CHAT
Operation Fix His Hart
Carter
Not to go behind our boy’s back, but there has to be something we can do
Jordan
Of course, you would name the chat this…
Moore
I thought it was creative
Carter
Thank you, Moore
Williams
Don’t encourage him
I’m down to help, though
Moore
I’m sorry, who stole Williams's phone
Williams
Funny
Carter
I don’t care who it is. We just need to do something. He can’t play ball all day, every day.
Jordan
Don’t tell him that. I swear he’s in the gym if he’s not in class.
