The Richards Legacy

Andrei's Condo

After Andrei fell asleep, I stayed up scrolling.

Everyone was posting their Harvestfest pictures with family. Then I saw the ones from home… the ones about Grandma. It hit me out of nowhere. I’d been fine all day, but suddenly I wasn’t.

Andrei's Condo

San Sequoia

Later that night, we got dressed and took a few pictures before heading out. I was so relieved when Andrei told me to dress casually. I definitely didn’t pack anything formal for this trip. And most stores were closed.

The coach’s house was beautiful. Inside, there were about twenty, maybe twenty‑five players and their families. Tables full of food, staff walking around with trays, everyone talking and laughing.

Landgraab Stadium - San Sequoia

After Andrei went into the locker room, I waited where he told me to. He came out a little later, clean and dressed, still smiling from the win. We walked to the car together.

Landgraab Stadium - San Sequoia

The stadium was packed when we pulled up. You could feel the energy before we even got inside.

I watched from the crowd, cheering every time Andrei touched the ball. He was locked in the whole game, running plays, making big moves, doing what he does. He even scored a touchdown.

San Sequoia

A couple hours later, I got ready and waited. Janae texted me when she pulled the car around (they live in the same building), and we headed to the stadium together.

Andrei's Condo - San Sequoia

They woke up early. Nothing big for breakfast, just pancakes and coffee. Andrei had to leave soon since he had a game in a few hours. He told Malaysia one of his teammate’s girlfriends (Janae) would pick her up later so she wouldn’t have to go to the game alone.

San Sequoia

San Sequoia Roots Training Facility

Andrei's Condo - San Sequoia

San Suquoia

By the time we got to San Sequoia, it was already late. Andrei grabbed our bags and we headed out.

The drive to his condo was quiet. City lights, empty streets, music low.

Willow Creek to San Sequoia

After dinner, I grabbed my things and went around the house saying goodbye to all my siblings.

In the foyer, Daddy was waiting with Benjamin. That part is always the hardest. I kissed my baby’s cheek and joked with him until he smiled. We did our little pinky promise. He promised to be good while I was gone. I promised to call every day.

The drive to the airport was mostly Daddy talking, reminding me to stay focused and telling Andrei to look out for me. I just said “mhm” to everything while watching the streetlights go by. Andrei held my hand the whole time.

Tuesday - Malachi & Trinity's Home

Trinity called us downstairs once everything was ready. The dining room was decorated and the food spread across the table. She tried to play it off like it was “just a little dinner,” but she’d clearly put her whole heart into it. I just feel a little guilty that she's going to have to do this all over again in a few days.

Daddy was already fixing plates for the kids, telling them not to touch anything hot. Andrei stepped in to help without being asked, passing dishes down the line.

We all sat around the table, talking and laughing while Trinity finally took a breath and sat down too. It wasn’t the real Harvestfest, but it felt close.

Tuesday - Malachi & Trinity's Home

Tuesday - Malachi & Trinity's Home

This morning I walked into the family room and found my daddy and Andrei nodding their heads to some old Sal Steen song. I knew they liked the same music but seeing them actually vibing together like that still made me smile.

Daddy was telling him stories about concerts he went to when he was younger. Andrei was right there naming artists, songs, and whole albums like he grew up in the same era. He even played his guitar along to the music.

Malachi and Trinity's Home

After dinner, I was in the family room with my daddy and the kids, watching a movie. Trinity was in her office right off the family room, working but still chiming in whenever something funny happened.

Then the doorbell rang.

Daddy got up to answer it. I didn’t even look away from the TV. I wasn’t expecting anybody, and definitely not who it ended up being.

A minute later, he called out, “Malaysia, come here for a second.”

I got up, thinking it was probably one of my cousins. But when I walked into the foyer…It was Andrei standing there smiling. He knew he’d caught me off guard. I wasn’t supposed to see him until Wednesday.

Andrei: Hey babe.

I didn’t say anything. I just hugged him. He held me tight, then leaned down and kissed me.

Daddy cleared his throat, trying not to smile with a serious face.

Malachi: Come on in, man. Join us.

Willow Creek

Today was one of those slow and easy days that felt good from start to finish. I went grocery shopping with Trin this morning, just the two of us walking the aisles. It felt nice spending time with her.

Later, I went to the park with my daddy and the kids. He was running around with them like he was trying to make up for every day he’d been gone.