An unexpected tribute

Beachfan · June 2022

My daughter received the following message from a former classmate yesterday:

Hello Beth. I'm sure you remember me. LOL. I just wanted to let you know I saw the post from the S.C.C.A. about the PAHS baseball team performing work in tribute to your Dad. I was quite moved to just see his name. I haven't seen him in years and only heard whispers of his being sick. It saddens me because when your Dad plucked me out of the bad road I was on in my freshman year at PAHS and placed me in his guidance as student team manager, I didn't realize just how much he did for me and continued to do for me through my high school years. He may have potentially saved my life by putting me on the straight and narrow. While I wasn't a ballplayer, I was treated with dignity and respect by most, if not all of them. That meant so much to me. Coach always had time for a talk and always offered me sound advice on anything and everything. I have two sons of my own, both high school aged, a sophomore and a senior and they are both outstanding and well-mannered young men. I'd like to think that some of what I learned from your Dad as a student my have reflected on me as a parent. I am eternally grateful. I do understand Alzheimer's is a horrible disease and I don't know the level at which he has progressed, but if you would do me the great honor of letting him (and your mom) know that I will always hold a special place in my heart for him and the way he took me under his wing, I would be forever indebted to you. I tried to look your brother, Michael, up on Facebook, but had no luck. I sure hope he is doing well, wherever he is. Please accept my well wishes for your Dad. He is one of the greatest men I've ever know in this life and I'll always hold him dear to my heart. God bless.

There is nothing more to add...... this made my day and lightened my heart. Just wanted to share a brighter moment.

Ed1937 · June 2022

WOW! I guess that did make your day. What a heartfelt tribute to a great guy. I'm sure you'll treasure that for the rest of your life. And I'm also sure she didn't know how many hearts of others that writing touched, who didn't even know him or her.

ButterflyWings · June 2022

Beachfan - Wow, what a beautiful tribute! Your DH was truly a keeper as you said, and we also know that for a coach to handle a 24/7 job so well like he did...it requires a life partner to support and pick up everything else. So, congratulations to you both! There are countless other former students out there with similar stories, you just know that's a fact. What a blessing to hear from this one, and during this precious anniversary week!

Thank you for sharing this.