KBJB

TWB

allhailthecranberries:

Last week’s episode of Top Chef they had the remaining chefs cook for their mentors.  It was super emotional for the Chef’s.  Almost all of them cired as their mentors entered the kitchen, it was really cool to hear them talk about their mentors and how much they impacted/changed/saved/bettered their lives.  

It got me thinking about who I would want to come through those doors.  I don’t know if I would necessarily call this person a mentor, but he has definitely made a lasting impression on my life and I don’t think he even knows.  I am talking about Darah Bonham, my high school lacrosse coach.  That might sound really lame, but if you knew this man you would know what an incredible role model and motivator he is.  He gave me my first lacrosse stick, he helped me earn a scholarship, and he is the person I will always credit my lacrosse successes to.  He helped push me to become a better player and a better person.  He taught me how to believe in myself and how to be a leader.  He was such a positive influence in my life and someone I will always hold in high regards. He was the best coach I ever had not just because he knew how to teach lacrosse and have a successful program year in and year out (people he’s in the Hall of Fame for US Lacrosse), he taught me way more than that, he helped teach me what’s really important in life.  I feel not just lucky, but honored to have played for him.

He has started an amazing social networking campaign called @abolishcancer (learn more here) on both Twitter and Facebook.  I think KBJB has mentioned it before, but if you don’t follow it/like it, you should.  It makes me happy he now has a platform in which he can inspire people world wide and undoubtedtly make a lasting impression on them.  

If I were in the Top Chef Kitchen, I’d definitely get teary eyed if D-Bo walked in.  

Carolyn has put into words what we’ve both known/felt for years. After getting cut from JV lacrosse, Bonham gave me a chance on varisty and pretty much altered my life course. That sounds supremely cliche and dramatic, but it’s so true.

Bonham is a topnotch, brilliant, generous man - and just like Carolyn, he’s who I’d consider my #1 mentor and inspiration. Follow him on Twitter (along with 50,000+ others. no joke) and check out http://www.abolishcancer.com/ for more info!