On Sunday I received a phone call from my son in New York that his friend Drake had passed away. He was so upset he could barely talk.
I had just moved to Huntington Beach from La Habra. Steve, Venus & their boys were the first people that I met, they lived in the front unit of the apartment complex we lived in. We had a lot in common, we each had three boys. They were almost all the same age. It was also perfect because we would take turns babysitting each others kids. That way, every other weekend we would be able to go out and know that our kids were in good hands (it was hard finding someone willing to babysit three rambunctious boys.)
Venus & I would take daily bike rides down the board walk, with my little 2 year old Elijah in the bike seat. All the other boys were in school. We had so much fun, getting in shape & enjoying the beach, just having "girl therapy" which is always a MUST!
My oldest son Josh became really close with Steven & Zach, while Jullien and Drake seemed to have a rougher time hitting it off. They both were hot heads and their "play time" eventually would turn into a boxing/wrestling matches. Drake out weighed Jullien by about 30 lbs. So I wasn't surprised when I heard screaming and yelling one day. I ran outside, turned the corner to see the two 5 year olds...Drake sitting on top of Jullien, hands on both sides of Jullien's head, smacking it into the pavement.
Now, I'm not a mom who freaks out...so I pulled him off, picked up Jullien & told them that they both were not allowed to play with each other anymore until they could get along.
Once I got Jullien back home, I told him the same thing my dad told me when I was little, "It doesn't matter how big they are, make sure that you never let them get the upper hand on you, handle your business." LOL...I know not a very nice mom...but being a tomboy & raising my boys alone for so long, I didn't want to have a bunch of little sissy's so I was pretty tough.
Jullien really took that to heart, the boys would continue to have "scuffles" but I never had to pick him up off the ground again. Once Drake knew that Jullien could "handle his business" the fighting stopped. They were the best of friends after that.
When they were older, they grew closer. It's funny how the love-hate relationship in the beginning left a strong bond between the two boys.
Drake was such a fun loving kid. Always cracking jokes & making everyone laugh. He was a loyal friend, ready to defend anyone who messed with the people he cared about.
Drake's older brother Zach (21), had just passed away three months before in a freak car accident.
My heart just aches for Steve, Venus & Steven. The loss of two sons is absolutely unimaginable. Steve sent me an email asking for people to please pray for them...they are at a total loss!
Tonight we will be attending a candlelight vigil for Drake.
R.I.P. Zach & Drake...you are loved & will be missed!
Showing posts with label funeral. Show all posts
Showing posts with label funeral. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Monday, October 12, 2009
A Celebration of Life
It was a very different weekend, we celebrated Jullien's almost 18th birthday on Friday because he will be in NY on his real birthday, Nov. 14th. On Sunday we attended a "Celebration of Life" service for our dear friend Joanne Phillips who recently lost her 10 year battle with breast cancer. Stop by her Caring Bridge Website and read about her...she was an amazing lady!
I have to say that it was one of the most inspiring services I've ever attended. You see, Joanne was a woman who brought sunshine into a room. She always made you feel as if you were the most important person around. She never let on to anyone how sick she was or how much pain she was in...she had a cheery smile, warm hug and sincere interest in everything that was happening in YOUR life.
At her service, one of the speakers asked for audience participation. He asked everyone to close their eyes and picture Joanne, then he went through a series of questions. The final one asking, " Now, while your picturing Joanne, do any of you picture a woman battling cancer? Raise your hands." Not one single person lifted their arm.
At the end of his talk, he concluded with having everyone stand up and giving the loudest standing ovation to Joanne. This was who she was, she didn't want a funeral...she wanted a celebration of life. She wanted others to know about Jesus and that she was now free of all her pain that she so bravely hid.
She was a fighter and part of that fight included being positive. Her strength, determination, joy and spirit was an inspiration to all who knew her. She blessed so many people's lives. I know I personally want to strive to be a better person. One who doesn't sit around complaining about problems in my life or aches and pains I may be having.
Goodbye my friend...until we meet again!
I have to say that it was one of the most inspiring services I've ever attended. You see, Joanne was a woman who brought sunshine into a room. She always made you feel as if you were the most important person around. She never let on to anyone how sick she was or how much pain she was in...she had a cheery smile, warm hug and sincere interest in everything that was happening in YOUR life.
At her service, one of the speakers asked for audience participation. He asked everyone to close their eyes and picture Joanne, then he went through a series of questions. The final one asking, " Now, while your picturing Joanne, do any of you picture a woman battling cancer? Raise your hands." Not one single person lifted their arm.
At the end of his talk, he concluded with having everyone stand up and giving the loudest standing ovation to Joanne. This was who she was, she didn't want a funeral...she wanted a celebration of life. She wanted others to know about Jesus and that she was now free of all her pain that she so bravely hid.
She was a fighter and part of that fight included being positive. Her strength, determination, joy and spirit was an inspiration to all who knew her. She blessed so many people's lives. I know I personally want to strive to be a better person. One who doesn't sit around complaining about problems in my life or aches and pains I may be having.
Goodbye my friend...until we meet again!
Saturday, February 7, 2009
In Memory of Nick Mazzone
We moved and transferred over from Pony Baseball to Little League...which began our years of friendship/rivalry with the Mazzone baseball "MACHINE"-The Pirate's. To play against Big Nick and his talented son, little Nick, was a fear that every member of the entire league felt. The kids and the coaches alike knew that it was probably going to end up as a loss for their team.
The kids would approach the plate...eyes the size of saucers, as they stared at the strike out king on the mound in front of them. The coaches tried to encourage them that they COULD hit off of Nick, but they just needed some confidence. Nick would stare at them with a little smirk, focus intently on his catcher's sign (which off course Nick had several different pitches in his repertoire), wind up and whisk the ball by them so fast, they would still be swinging the bat as the catcher already had the ball securely in his mitt...the umpire yelling, "S T R I K E T H R E E!"
The next trouble would quickly come when a young pitcher would have to then pitch against the Home Run King. Little Nick would "strut" to the plate, the air making a loud hissing sound as he swung a few practice swings...getting ready for yet another home run. A loud "CRACK" as people began yelling, "Heads Up!" The ball would eventually drop next to the pitchers mound on the next field. Followed by cheering and clapping, the Pirates running out of the dugout lined up as their hero rounded third base, and high five them as he crossed home plate.
The horn would then begin to loudly pierce everyone's ears. Stacy, (Nick's mom) carried it to every game. That horn could be heard continually throughout all the fields, signaling another outstanding game, home run or strike-out for her amazing son. As a rival team it was a thorn in our side...it signaled another loss for our team. But she was her sons biggest fan, always on the field encouraging, and enthusiastically supporting her husband and son. When All-Stars would come around and we were all on the same team, we LOVED the horn. When she arrived at the field we all shouted, "Did you bring your horn Stacy?" She brought excitement and joy to the entire team.
Big Nick would coach and take great pride in not only his son, but our children as well. His practices would sometimes be five days a week for three hours at a time. Little Nick became an incredible player because of it. His bond with his dad was evident by the time they spent together. Little Nick absorbed all of his dad's wisdom and was very competitive. He expected nothing but perfection from himself and others.
Our final Major's All Star season was a season to remember. The boys looked up to little Nick as a leader and example. They never got down because Nick would pump them up. Whether pitching or catching he helped everyone remain calm and stick to the game plan. Our All Star team set a record at Huntington Valley...almost going all the way to Williamsport Little League World Series. Nick also continues to hold the home run record at Huntington Valley.
Nick represented hard work, perseverance, talent, confidence, team work and incredible love for the Lord, his family, and the game of baseball. He spent his life as a leader and an example. The Lord has called him home, but his memory will continue to live on inside of each one of us, until we meet again.
(Funeral services will be held at Cross Point Baptist Church, Monday, February 8th @ 11:00 a.m.)
Click For: STACY MAZZONE MEMORIAL INFORMATION
The kids would approach the plate...eyes the size of saucers, as they stared at the strike out king on the mound in front of them. The coaches tried to encourage them that they COULD hit off of Nick, but they just needed some confidence. Nick would stare at them with a little smirk, focus intently on his catcher's sign (which off course Nick had several different pitches in his repertoire), wind up and whisk the ball by them so fast, they would still be swinging the bat as the catcher already had the ball securely in his mitt...the umpire yelling, "S T R I K E T H R E E!"
The next trouble would quickly come when a young pitcher would have to then pitch against the Home Run King. Little Nick would "strut" to the plate, the air making a loud hissing sound as he swung a few practice swings...getting ready for yet another home run. A loud "CRACK" as people began yelling, "Heads Up!" The ball would eventually drop next to the pitchers mound on the next field. Followed by cheering and clapping, the Pirates running out of the dugout lined up as their hero rounded third base, and high five them as he crossed home plate.
The horn would then begin to loudly pierce everyone's ears. Stacy, (Nick's mom) carried it to every game. That horn could be heard continually throughout all the fields, signaling another outstanding game, home run or strike-out for her amazing son. As a rival team it was a thorn in our side...it signaled another loss for our team. But she was her sons biggest fan, always on the field encouraging, and enthusiastically supporting her husband and son. When All-Stars would come around and we were all on the same team, we LOVED the horn. When she arrived at the field we all shouted, "Did you bring your horn Stacy?" She brought excitement and joy to the entire team.
Big Nick would coach and take great pride in not only his son, but our children as well. His practices would sometimes be five days a week for three hours at a time. Little Nick became an incredible player because of it. His bond with his dad was evident by the time they spent together. Little Nick absorbed all of his dad's wisdom and was very competitive. He expected nothing but perfection from himself and others.
Our final Major's All Star season was a season to remember. The boys looked up to little Nick as a leader and example. They never got down because Nick would pump them up. Whether pitching or catching he helped everyone remain calm and stick to the game plan. Our All Star team set a record at Huntington Valley...almost going all the way to Williamsport Little League World Series. Nick also continues to hold the home run record at Huntington Valley.
Nick represented hard work, perseverance, talent, confidence, team work and incredible love for the Lord, his family, and the game of baseball. He spent his life as a leader and an example. The Lord has called him home, but his memory will continue to live on inside of each one of us, until we meet again.
(Funeral services will be held at Cross Point Baptist Church, Monday, February 8th @ 11:00 a.m.)
Click For: STACY MAZZONE MEMORIAL INFORMATION
Monday, September 8, 2008
COACH MIKE'S FUNERAL
This was a very tough weekend! We had the funeral of our friend Mike Burk, and all the boys decided to go...I was glad because it meant a lot to his wife Karen. I can't began to tell you how heartbreaking it was watching those boys and Karen. The sixteen year old was trying to be strong and not cry. The 14 year old was in tears throughout the whole service and the youngest didn't really understand what was going on...which I think was a nice distraction for Karen.
When we walked up before the service, I waited to give Karen a hug, not knowing what to say but just wanting to let her know I was there for her. She saw me and lunged into my arms. As we hugged she seemed to be hanging on to me as if I were a lifeline...a piece of the life that she and Mike had been a part of for 12 years. Baseball and basketball had brought us together and formed a bond and friendship that had become very special over the years. We held each other tight as she said, "Mike just loved you guys and the boys, thank you so much for being here. It really means a lot to me." Squeezing her tighter and fighting back the tears, "Mike has been an important part our lives. Please know that we are all here for you and the boys. If you need anything you know you can call us!" Jullien was standing behind me, she looked at him, chuckled and said, "Oh Jullien, Mike absolutely ADORED you! You always gave him a hard time but he loved you!" They hugged and laughed.
That comment brought back a whole new flood of memories...Jullien was always a hot head, a perfectionist and competitive to a fault. Mike knew this about him and I think saw a bit of himself in Jullien. As a coach he tried to calm Jullien down if he was having a bad game. He decided to find ways to motivate Jullien...one particularly important game found Mike's team down by quite a few points at halftime. He knew that if he could calm Jullien down and get his head back in the game...they could still win. He went straight to the heart of a teenage boy...he offered him CASH! He said, "I'll give you $1.00 for every basket you make." Jullien's eyes got huge, "Are you serious?" "Yeah..show me what you can do, let's see if we can win this game!"
Jullien's face lit up, a light had been switched on. He gathered the team, and said, "We can take these guys...we're better than them." My son turned into Koby Bryant right there on that basketball court, dribbling, passing, leaping, lay ups, three pointers, even a few allyoops. It was amazing to see, he had a look of determination that I had never seen before. We ended up winning the game by 6 points!
I walked up to Mike after the game and said, "What did you say to him...I've never seen him so intense before?" He just smiled and said, "I just figured out a little trick to motivate him." "Well what is it?" I waited patiently for the magic words that I could use for years to come. He grinned even bigger, "It's a secret!" "C'mon Mike, you have to tell me." "Jullien can tell you later if he wants." I got a little bugged, why wouldn't he tell me...I need to know, it was magical!
We got into the car, my son was beaming! "So, what did Mike say to you?" Waiting, leaning back over the front seat, anxiously holding my breathe for the answer (I'm very competitive too and HAD TO KNOW!) He reached deep into his pocket and pulled out a $20.00 bill. I said, "Where'd you get that?" "That's from Mike, he offered me $1.00 for every basket. So I scored 20 points and he payed me!" I told my husband to stop the car and turn around. Mike was just getting to his car. I told my son to give him back his money. He argued, but he knew I meant business! He got out of the car, head low, moping, and handed Mike the money. "My mom said I have to give this back." He walked Jullien back to the car and said, "We made a deal. He held up his end of the bargain so I need to hold up mine."
That was Mike, motivating, giving, encouraging, stubborn and most of all caring. He would not let this angry, overly aggressive kid get beat by himself. He looked inside, saw his heart and talent and found a way to lift him up and show him his full potential. Mike will truly be missed.
After the service I looked over to see his sixteen year old son standing alone, back away from the crowd of people. Staring blankly at the scene before him. I walked over, hugged him and told him how sorry I was and how much we loved his dad. He seemed numb, void, shocked, disbelief and nothingness...I saw a memory of myself when my brother died. I knew that he would be our mission. His long road ahead will be difficult, he'll need to be encouraged, watched and comforted. We'll stay close and help any way we can...we owe it to Mike. Stepping up in his memory and reaching deep inside to touch HIS children and wife.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever." PSALM 23: 1-6
When we walked up before the service, I waited to give Karen a hug, not knowing what to say but just wanting to let her know I was there for her. She saw me and lunged into my arms. As we hugged she seemed to be hanging on to me as if I were a lifeline...a piece of the life that she and Mike had been a part of for 12 years. Baseball and basketball had brought us together and formed a bond and friendship that had become very special over the years. We held each other tight as she said, "Mike just loved you guys and the boys, thank you so much for being here. It really means a lot to me." Squeezing her tighter and fighting back the tears, "Mike has been an important part our lives. Please know that we are all here for you and the boys. If you need anything you know you can call us!" Jullien was standing behind me, she looked at him, chuckled and said, "Oh Jullien, Mike absolutely ADORED you! You always gave him a hard time but he loved you!" They hugged and laughed.
That comment brought back a whole new flood of memories...Jullien was always a hot head, a perfectionist and competitive to a fault. Mike knew this about him and I think saw a bit of himself in Jullien. As a coach he tried to calm Jullien down if he was having a bad game. He decided to find ways to motivate Jullien...one particularly important game found Mike's team down by quite a few points at halftime. He knew that if he could calm Jullien down and get his head back in the game...they could still win. He went straight to the heart of a teenage boy...he offered him CASH! He said, "I'll give you $1.00 for every basket you make." Jullien's eyes got huge, "Are you serious?" "Yeah..show me what you can do, let's see if we can win this game!"
Jullien's face lit up, a light had been switched on. He gathered the team, and said, "We can take these guys...we're better than them." My son turned into Koby Bryant right there on that basketball court, dribbling, passing, leaping, lay ups, three pointers, even a few allyoops. It was amazing to see, he had a look of determination that I had never seen before. We ended up winning the game by 6 points!
I walked up to Mike after the game and said, "What did you say to him...I've never seen him so intense before?" He just smiled and said, "I just figured out a little trick to motivate him." "Well what is it?" I waited patiently for the magic words that I could use for years to come. He grinned even bigger, "It's a secret!" "C'mon Mike, you have to tell me." "Jullien can tell you later if he wants." I got a little bugged, why wouldn't he tell me...I need to know, it was magical!
We got into the car, my son was beaming! "So, what did Mike say to you?" Waiting, leaning back over the front seat, anxiously holding my breathe for the answer (I'm very competitive too and HAD TO KNOW!) He reached deep into his pocket and pulled out a $20.00 bill. I said, "Where'd you get that?" "That's from Mike, he offered me $1.00 for every basket. So I scored 20 points and he payed me!" I told my husband to stop the car and turn around. Mike was just getting to his car. I told my son to give him back his money. He argued, but he knew I meant business! He got out of the car, head low, moping, and handed Mike the money. "My mom said I have to give this back." He walked Jullien back to the car and said, "We made a deal. He held up his end of the bargain so I need to hold up mine."
That was Mike, motivating, giving, encouraging, stubborn and most of all caring. He would not let this angry, overly aggressive kid get beat by himself. He looked inside, saw his heart and talent and found a way to lift him up and show him his full potential. Mike will truly be missed.
After the service I looked over to see his sixteen year old son standing alone, back away from the crowd of people. Staring blankly at the scene before him. I walked over, hugged him and told him how sorry I was and how much we loved his dad. He seemed numb, void, shocked, disbelief and nothingness...I saw a memory of myself when my brother died. I knew that he would be our mission. His long road ahead will be difficult, he'll need to be encouraged, watched and comforted. We'll stay close and help any way we can...we owe it to Mike. Stepping up in his memory and reaching deep inside to touch HIS children and wife.
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever." PSALM 23: 1-6
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