Life
Life is such a precious thing. It's something that's given to us, and we must cherish every last moment of time we're given. There are reminders throughout our brief time here on earth reminding us just how fragile we truly our. Any given moment could be our last, and if we think about it deeply, are we ready, have we prepaired ourselves? Have we said the goodbyes, the "I love you's"?
Death is a naturally occurring thing that we all must endure. I myself have lost my grandfather, who was my everything. He was the one man in my life who truly seemed to believe in me, wanted me to succeed, and would give everything to see it. When he passed away I was devastated. I fell into a hole, tilled by my emotions and depression. I receded away from a life that I once lived, not wishing to come out. I burrowed deeper and deeper - Pushing away everything and everyone I love; my friends, my family, my girlfriend. It took so long to overcome the death, and even to this day when I think about the man I always wanted to be when I grew up, I still choke up, I still get teary eyed.
The enigma of death, the puzzlement of it is that it's meant to be a reminder - To forever cherish everything we've ever touched or had, and to never let it go, to always keep it in our hearts, and to not take for granted what we've been given. Even those in the limelight, the larger than life people that we look up to, the heroes, they are not immune to it's cold, warming embrace.
The St Louis Cardinals organization the past six years has been touched with tragedy again and again it seems:
Jack Buck - August 21, 1924
June 18, 2002. The Organization lost it's face with the passing of Jack Buck, heralded as one of the finest sports announcers to ever take the call of a game. The man took the reigns as the Cardinals announcer way back in 1954, and would be there for every single radio listener to hear the game. He was a soldier, he was a poet, and he was a fan of the game. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and he will be forever remembered as one of the finest people to ever be associated with the St Louis Cardinals.
Darryl Kile - December 2, 1968
June 22, 2002. Yet another tragedy struck so close to home for the St Louis Cardinals, their teammates, and the fans that supported them. Darryl Kile, one of the classiest players ever, who was respected, cherished, and loved by every single player who he ever played for passed away in his apartment room in Chicago during a series against them. The game was called off, and postponed. But the saddness could not be set aside. He was an excellent player, but moreso and excellent human being who I had the pleasure of meeting back in 2001. He was kind enough to give me an autograph, which I will forever keep as a token. He is survived by his wife, and his little boy who both still frequent Cardinals games. DK-57, the name, the number has lived on. His initials and number can be seen in Busch's Left Field.
Josh Hancock - April 11, 1978
April 29, 2007. It seemed as if when fans could begin to move on, fate's hand was once again extended, the time-clocks hand of life striking again. Acquired and signed in 2006, Josh Hancock was a member of the Cardinals bullpen. Quickly he became a fan favorite, as well as a favorite in the club-house. Every team-mate loved him, and many pitchers took onto him as a friend and as a mentor. It was yet again a series with the Cubs, only this time here in St Louis. The man got into a horrible car accident early in the morning and according to medical professionals died on impact.
In conclusion. Never take life for granted. Live every single moment to it's last, and enjoy your time here. Hug, kiss, and love those closest to you; your friends and your family. Do not be blinded by such menial things as jealousy,revenge, hatred, immaturity, among so many other meaningless feelings. Live and love all mankind. Those we pass every single day could be their last, and just remember that each one has a family of their own, ones that will grieve and mourn over a death as easily as us. Death is not the end - It is the beginning of something new. But that beginning has not been decided yet, and until it does, remember one word: "Compassion".
Semper Fidelis
Death is a naturally occurring thing that we all must endure. I myself have lost my grandfather, who was my everything. He was the one man in my life who truly seemed to believe in me, wanted me to succeed, and would give everything to see it. When he passed away I was devastated. I fell into a hole, tilled by my emotions and depression. I receded away from a life that I once lived, not wishing to come out. I burrowed deeper and deeper - Pushing away everything and everyone I love; my friends, my family, my girlfriend. It took so long to overcome the death, and even to this day when I think about the man I always wanted to be when I grew up, I still choke up, I still get teary eyed.
The enigma of death, the puzzlement of it is that it's meant to be a reminder - To forever cherish everything we've ever touched or had, and to never let it go, to always keep it in our hearts, and to not take for granted what we've been given. Even those in the limelight, the larger than life people that we look up to, the heroes, they are not immune to it's cold, warming embrace.
The St Louis Cardinals organization the past six years has been touched with tragedy again and again it seems:
Jack Buck - August 21, 1924
June 18, 2002. The Organization lost it's face with the passing of Jack Buck, heralded as one of the finest sports announcers to ever take the call of a game. The man took the reigns as the Cardinals announcer way back in 1954, and would be there for every single radio listener to hear the game. He was a soldier, he was a poet, and he was a fan of the game. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, and he will be forever remembered as one of the finest people to ever be associated with the St Louis Cardinals.
Darryl Kile - December 2, 1968
June 22, 2002. Yet another tragedy struck so close to home for the St Louis Cardinals, their teammates, and the fans that supported them. Darryl Kile, one of the classiest players ever, who was respected, cherished, and loved by every single player who he ever played for passed away in his apartment room in Chicago during a series against them. The game was called off, and postponed. But the saddness could not be set aside. He was an excellent player, but moreso and excellent human being who I had the pleasure of meeting back in 2001. He was kind enough to give me an autograph, which I will forever keep as a token. He is survived by his wife, and his little boy who both still frequent Cardinals games. DK-57, the name, the number has lived on. His initials and number can be seen in Busch's Left Field.
Josh Hancock - April 11, 1978
April 29, 2007. It seemed as if when fans could begin to move on, fate's hand was once again extended, the time-clocks hand of life striking again. Acquired and signed in 2006, Josh Hancock was a member of the Cardinals bullpen. Quickly he became a fan favorite, as well as a favorite in the club-house. Every team-mate loved him, and many pitchers took onto him as a friend and as a mentor. It was yet again a series with the Cubs, only this time here in St Louis. The man got into a horrible car accident early in the morning and according to medical professionals died on impact.
In conclusion. Never take life for granted. Live every single moment to it's last, and enjoy your time here. Hug, kiss, and love those closest to you; your friends and your family. Do not be blinded by such menial things as jealousy,revenge, hatred, immaturity, among so many other meaningless feelings. Live and love all mankind. Those we pass every single day could be their last, and just remember that each one has a family of their own, ones that will grieve and mourn over a death as easily as us. Death is not the end - It is the beginning of something new. But that beginning has not been decided yet, and until it does, remember one word: "Compassion".
Semper Fidelis