Recent Articles | About Authors | About the Syndicate | Archives

To receive a plain text copy of this article by email, see info at the bottom of this page.

Real Answers™
jd27
Copyright: © 2004 Jill Darling
670 words

GRADUATING WITH HIGH HONORS

By: Jill Darling

Two empty chairs adorned with orange and white balloons were reminders of the students at New York’s Union-Endicott High School who had died before reaching their celebrated milestone. When Joe Santacrose’s name was called, Mike Santacrose went forward to posthumously accept the diploma for his twin and set it on the empty chair, as did the friend of another deceased boy.

It had been nearly five years since we got the phone call that our nephew Joe had died after his team had finished their final game in a soccer tournament.

I remember how excited Mike and Joe were when they’d been asked to join a newly formed soccer team of boys who hadn’t been selected for the conventional teams. A few players had heard about the nine-year-olds’ abilities and thought they’d be a good addition. That was an understatement, according to Coach Ross Riley of the BC United Force.

"Mike was a scoring machine and Joe was a born leader," said Riley. "Parents and coaches watched in amazement as Joe’s personality took hold and the team began to gel," he said.

The Force kicked its way to victory with undefeated seasons over the next four years. Then Riley recalled the fateful game: "Joe came off the court twice that game. Only to get a drink, a little rest and to repeat the same words he always said. ‘OK, Coach, I’m ready to go back in whenever you need me.’ Then he would stand at my side so that I would not forget to put him in." With only three minutes left in the game, Joe was eager to get back in and play.

"He played those three minutes harder than I have ever seen him play. I can still hear him yelling, ‘Come on, Force, pick it up!’ I will never forget those words!" said Riley.

The game ended. As the team came off field, Joe collapsed. A doctor was on the scene, medics came to his aid and he was rushed to the hospital, but nothing could revive him. He never regained consciousness.

Joe died at the age of thirteen. He had congenital heart disease. It didn’t hinder him from playing sports, as long as he listened to his body and took breaks periodically, which he did under his coach’s and parents’ watchful eye. But dehydration may have contributed to his death.

I admired the strength of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Norma, during that painfully raw, mind-numbing time. But I was equally touched at how much of an impact Joe and Mike and the entire family had made in their community.

Isabel Dwornik, a mother of a fledging soccer player wrote, "In my…20 years as an adolescent and school counselor…of all the children I have ever known, your son, Joe, is and always will be both my idol and my hero."

Her son Danny had been picked on by older teammates and fled the practice field on many occasions, wanting to give up.

"Joe and Mike were two angels sent from God," she said. "Because of them, Danny felt protected and gained a sense of belonging on the team. [He] began to flourish. I can still see Mike playfully picking Danny up and carrying him across the field at Charles F. Johnson School. I am picturing Joe taking Danny aside to be his practice partner at Dickson Field. Their kindness and caring…will never be forgotten and I will forever hold them in high esteem. It should be every parent’s wish to have such loving children."

In the book of Proverbs King Solomon wrote, "A man is valued by what others say of him." Another scripture states, "A good name is to be chosen rather than silver and gold."

In 13 years, Joe personified what it takes others a lifetime to achieve—a good name that is treasured. He may not have graduated with the rest of the Class of 2004, but he and his brother Mike graduated with high honors in the school of life.

"Real Answers™" furnished courtesy of The Amy Foundation Internet Syndicate. To contact the author or The Amy Foundation, write or E-mail to: P. O. Box 16091, Lansing, MI 48901-6091; amyfoundtn@aol.com

Request this article:
To instantly receive a plain text copy of this article by email, enter your publication title, city and state, and email address, then retype the article number (shown in bold below). Then click the "Send It" button once.
Fields marked (*) are required

back to top