I got to hang out and watch the end of the RSCA footy camp two weeks ago. Having caught a glimpse of the guys earlier in the camp, the positive change in their play was abundantly clear.
After the camp, Richie introduced me to the assembled players and their families. The goal was to introduce the Conway Cup, but my emotions got the better of me...Richie stepped in to fill the void.
As people were leaving, a couple approached me. Eddie stepped forward and shook my hand. With an emotional face, Eddie quickly explained that his mother passed away from ALS when he was 3 years old.
I promptly lost it again.
Given that my daughters - 1 and 4 - are so close to Eddie's age when his Mother passed, I found it impossible not to get emotional.
As I explained later to Amanda, one of my biggest worries is that my girl's lives don't go off the rails should I lose my fight with ALS. Seeing Eddie tapped directly in to that point of concern, but in a positive way. After all, here was a wonderful man with his wife and son that had dealt with the loss of his mother to lead a good life.
Perhaps my mind focuses too much on the negative. Eddie was a good reminder of the positive.
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ReplyDeleteAmazing that God puts the right people in the right places at the right time. I don't think it was a coincidence that you met Eddie. Probably the perfect timing to help with one of your biggest fears about your precious girls. You are amazingly strong Tony but it's certainly ok to "let down" and show your emotions at times. Praying for you daily and the fight against ALS! ((hugs))
DeletePerhaps you think you focus on the negative, but your public face shows nothing but positivity and optimism. You are an inspiration to me every single day, and your love and example that you share with your children every day will stay with them forever.
ReplyDeleteThere's a lot of stuff talked about life going off the rails when one parent is no longer around. But let's not forget millions of children born in the 1930's and 40's who never saw their Dad. Only a small number turned into drug taking shoplifters!
ReplyDelete:-)
Somehow I think you can strike that worry off your list.
You're a good lad Tony.