R.I.P

I was saddened to learn this weekend about the passing of one of Sophie's regulars, Ernesto Mendez. He was a Monday night league player, and a mighty fine one at that. I had been getting to know him a little better this summer as a member of his team, and I'd become fond of his pep talks to me during my matches. I'll remember his thick Honduran accent and the way he pronounced my name "Keddy." The last conversation I had with him was him advising me, "Just play your game, don't play his" (referring to my opponent). He will be missed.