62 The Trusted Leader
who spoke. “Carlos, I don’t know what to say other than
thank you for sharing this story with me.”
Carlos eventually regained his composure and
explained the rest of the story. His father died in prison—
after being arrested for drug smuggling. He never knew
that he even had a son, and Carlos never knew his father.
Then he said, “I have another confession to tell you,
Coach.”
“OK.”
“I always wanted a real father, like other kids at
school. I wanted to play catch with my dad, hold his hand,
and ask him questions.”
“Sure.”
“It wasn’t until I played basketball for you for four
years at school that I realized what that might be like. You
were always there for all of us, especially me, and I… .”
Carlos’ voice fell ...