“Mellie – Mel!!” That’s what Gerrick used to always call me. Nevermore. I found out yesterday that one of my longest calgary friends passed away suddenly.

https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/mobile/video?clipId=1563616

Gerrick Winston and I used to work together at the Talisman centre. I would lifeguard, he would coach diving. On our breaks we would seek out the acoustics in the rec centre corridors or the lifeguard break room.

I remember singing Simply Red “If you don’t know me by now.”

He was the reason why I wanted to learn how to dive and last year the month before I blew my ACL Gerrick took the time to coach me for my first dive competition.

He was bright eyed and bushy tailed and loved his wife and kids so much. He had the most beautiful voice, most precise and focused way of teaching that was fun yet impactful which no doubt contributed to his success.

My heart grieves for the loss of an amazing human and a man that made the world a better place.

We always hear from people that “it’s never too late to learn,” but saying it, is one thing and doing it is something completely different.

Last week I posted a comment on the Alberta Outdoor Women’s facebook page about providing a resource for those having trouble with the “doing it” part and giving some encouragement. One group member responded with “Why is it not easy. Just do it.” Continue reading →