Family & Friends “Take Care of Your Crew"

Today is Gordon’s birthday, and it’s been painful to watch my wife and daughter struggle as this day approached.

My son-in-law, Nicholas, has been incredibly helpful to us all. I understand what he's going through as a husband; guys often try to fix things rather than show their emotions.

Lisa, Gordon's fiancée, is surely experiencing a range of emotions across the ocean in Germany today. We were ecstatic that they were in love and starting their journey together as husband and wife. Despite staying connected with Lisa through notes, FaceTime, social media, and my dad jokes, it breaks my heart when we connect. I know how much they loved each other, and how much she misses Gordon. We'll see her in a couple of weeks, which brings me happiness.

I want to express gratitude to everyone for their unwavering support as we navigate this journey called grief.

Today's reflection is on Friends and Family.

Given my long involvement in the game of Lacrosse, it was natural for my family to be involved too. While MJ initially seemed content being a devoted wife and mother, she wholeheartedly embraced the sport and has been my compass for nearly forty years. She is the glue that holds our family and Lacrosse community together. Over the past 30 years, she has tirelessly lined fields, kept score, managed emails, updated websites, organized rosters and schedules, made travel plans, and undertaken countless other tasks. Caitlin and Gordon followed suit. Even after the kids left for college, Mary Jo and I continued running Atlanta Youth Lacrosse, the oldest youth program in the state.

Caitlin and Gordon gained invaluable knowledge by assisting, shaping them into the adults they are today. Undoubtedly, they inherited some traits—both good and bad—from us. While I admit to being impatient and intense when things are amiss, Mary Jo, a carpenter and a "Solutions Expert," imparted invaluable skills to our children and the families we've connected with.

About twelve years ago, when one of our players passed away, I was distraught. Sobbing, I asked my business partner and friend, Christian Ward, why these tragedies seemed to happen to me repeatedly. In his typical logical manner, Christian pointed out, "Lou, do you realize how many kids and parents you've impacted over the years? It has to be thousands. Of course, these events will affect you more frequently than the average person." I had never considered it from that perspective, nor did I anticipate my son being among those affected.

Since that fateful day on December 2, 2022, our family and friends have lightened our burdens. As a coach for over forty years, I've always carried the emotional weight for my players and their parents, witnessing tears shed by seniors and teammates when a season ends or during tough times.

Gordon was always there for anyone in need, teaching me invaluable lessons on how to "Take Care of Your Crew."

Last Friday night, our high school team faced a formidable opponent. My friend, Mary Ann Boicourt, came out to support us. I mention this because Mary Ann, a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, helped get Lisa back to Germany just weeks after Gordon's passing. Mary Ann escorted Lisa through check-in and arranged for a flight attendant friend to accompany her throughout the journey. I can only imagine what Lisa endured during those nine hours, but I'm certain Mary Ann's presence provided some comfort.

Mary Ann is a seasoned professional who understands the importance of "Taking Care of Your Crew."

After the game, Mary Ann asked if she could address our team. She shared stories about her son, Carter, a three-time All-American for his college team, and how he learned valuable lessons from this "Old Ball Coach," referring to me as his best coach ever. Though I hate to admit it, I cried when I got home while reviewing our game footage. Mary Ann took the time—despite enduring freezing rain and cold—to support our team and speak so kindly about me. Her husband, John, and the rest of her family have given us so much, and we cherish them deeply.

I'm blessed with a great memory, and this act of kindness from Mary Ann will always be one of my fondest memories.

Through this ordeal it has made me connect with many friends and family members like my Nieces Lindsay, Lauren and Kelly. They have been so supportive along with my brothers and sister, high school friends, college friends (Tom, Roger, John, Rick, Tony, Gerry, Dave, Keri & Vinny) and all the parents and players I have coached over the years.

While Gordon is not with us physically the joy, love, leadership and caring for all of us will live on forever.

We will be having the Gordon Corsetti Mental Agility Tournament (https://mentallyagile.com) at Fellowship Christian School where I coach on March 15th and 16th. This is one of our largest fund raises so please come out an enjoy some lacrosse as some great teams from Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia will compete in Gordons honor. People and great friends from around the country will be attending to help support Gordon and his foundation. We will be having a silent auction with two of my great friends Atlanta Artists Dawne Raulet and Christiane Palpant who will be auctioning off a piece of their artwork.

http://www.dawneraulet.com

https://palpantart.com/christiane-palpant

So Happy Birthday my son I LOVE YOU and we will do our best to “Take Care Of Your Crew”.

You will notice that the picture in todays post shows Gordon’s “Take Care of Your Crew” bracelet and my FCA Coaches Bible which I read everyday to impart some wisdom on my team.

Please consider donating to Gordon’s Mental Agility Foundation so we can continue to help people with their mental health. https://everloved.com/life-of/gordon-corsetti