Yesterday, the soccer season ended. We played hard and went to the finals, knocking out the 1st place team. But we lost to the 2nd place team. It was a great accomplishment for us. After all. we won last season and we were moved up to a higher division. We lost to two teams, but those teams went up a division. We lost to one team in our division, the first place team, but as I mentioned avenged that lost in the playoffs (where it matters).
The night was rough for me. The end of the season also meant the last time Kevin will be on the roster. Kevin passed away, unexpectedly on Tuesday September 27. A complete surprise and we don't know what caused it. It was just his time. Word spread quickly among those who worked and played at Silver Creek Sports Plex. Kevin was one of the first people who joined and people knew him. It was shocking to have him taken away.
For myself, this really is one of the first friends that passed away. I was fortuneate not to lose any friends in my teenage years. I lost family friends, and I've lost family members, but not a direct friend. And it is a struggle to know that Kevin will not be walking through those doors and playing with me.
I first met Kevin after I was booted off my original Soccer Team. I was on the "Free Agent" team with Kevin. I remember specifically, we got into an argument. You'll see why that's unusual soon. But afterwards we sent a few emails back and forth and we got onto an understanding. From that argument came understanding, and understanding became friendship.
That friendship came around when (after the teams split) he ended up joining my team. We played together again for a year. He always brought positive attitude and a positive spirit. He had a natural ability to bring people in, and make them laugh and make them feel special. He had a true positive spirit.
From there, his sister also joined the team. Turns out that she went to my high school, Valley Christian, and took a class from a teacher who is one of my friend's wives. Immediately we hit it off and be had a strong Christian Brother and Sister Relationship. Even when we met Omar (who would be her boyfriend, and a teammate), I introduced myself as "Her Other Brother."
He and my wife had this ongoing joke. I would always introduce her, and
he would always say, "yeah we met". then he'd ask "How are the kids?
how old are they now?" and we'd say "we don't have any kids!" From
there it became, "Are they in college? they grow up so fast!"
So on that Tuesday, I received a text from her. I read it over and over again. Kevin had died from a Heart Attack. My heart sank as I called and spoke to her. My wife and I cried together, in shock and thinking of his family. He has a wife Marisol, and children Amador (15), Joquin (7) and Sonoma (5).
I struggled as I emailed the team, posted on Facebook, and called a few people. I also kept everyone up to speed as the news came in and the arrangements were made.
We played last week and had a moment of silence for our friend. Cat came back and played with us. We played for Kevin that night and won our game. at the end of the game, Cat came to a realization that it was over. She cried for the loss of her beloved brother. We can only offer her support.
The day came for the rosery and funeral. We could only attend the rosery. It was packed. Marisol spoke reminding us of the fun spirit that Kevin had. And to not let his memory die. And to remind his children of what a great man he was.
We were unable to attend the funeral, but I understand over 400 people showed up. It's just a telling story of how many people Kevin influenced.
The season has ended. We played hard and fought to the end. I found myself struggling to remove him from my roster for next season. But I know it must be done as someone has to take his place.
Take his place... but not replace. That can never happen.
