Saturday, May 16, 2009

When Love Triumphs Over Death

As a teacher, one of the saddest things is when a student meets an untimely death. It has happened more times than I care to think about during my teaching career. A couple of years ago, a former student was killed in a grain elevator accident. Scott was a popular classmate, charming, funny, and ornery. He was a beloved brother and son. To honor his memory, his sister and family started a scholarship in his name to be funded through a charity "Slackers Only" softball and golf tournament. And so for the last three years a senior, as much like Scott as we can find, has been awarded a scholarship to further his/her education.

Every year, classmates and friends gather for a weekend of fun and remembering Scott in a manner which I am sure he would have appreciated. The athletes aren't as young as they used to be, but the beer is cold and they get to hang out with old friends remembering their youth and making new memories together all in Scott's name. The dress is far from official team uniform. A few sport beer guts along with their thrown-together attire, but have a great time proving they've still "got game."Between games they are back to being Dads: rounding up the kids, giving moms a break, locating lost items in the play area and filling their arms with their toddlers.
And the game ends the same as every other game played on the field whether Little League or Major League.
Tonight the local bars will be full as they continue to celebrate being together and honoring Scott's memory. And so while Scott's death was tragic, his family has figured out a way to joyfully remember his life and honor his memory. To be honest, I think we would all be lucky to be remembered this way--joyfully and with love.

7 comments:

Sam Holland said...

I like your blog, honest and wise.

jason ramey said...

come out tommorow and see the real slackers we use carts to haul our beer around lol very nice post

Gayle said...

I think you are very right, to be remembered joyfully and with love would be a wonderful thing! Love those striped socks!

Heidi said...

Nice story. Great pics.
Heidi

Anonymous said...

Awesome story,Great pics.....J.R.

Anonymous said...

Mrs. Erickson, what an awesome thing for you to do in memory of my brother..Thank you so much! I cried like a baby...Shona Grossoehme

Puna said...

What a lovely tribute.