Reflections
/One of the nice things about social media is something pops up on your timeline. Everything about social media is built around algorithms and likes, dislikes, interest etc.. Today this came up on my timeline
Reflections:
I have been blessed to coach many young people over the past forty years, and whenever I speak about leadership, I always mention September 11, 2001, to the parents and players. It was a day that forever changed our world.
I always tell them that my best days were when I married my bride, MJ, and when our children, Gordon Corsetti and Caitlin Corsetti, were born. However, the worst day of my life was September 11, 2001. Sadly, another heartbreaking day came on December 2, 2022, when we lost our son, Gordon.
I do not want to diminish the feelings of those who lost loved ones 23 years ago by mentioning my son in the same breath, but the sense of emptiness and loss is something we all share deeply.
As a leader and coach, I’ve had the opportunity to speak to many groups. Last year, I addressed nearly 40 coaches and program leaders from the great state of Tennessee. It was a wonderful day, full of shared ideas, successes, and challenges as we discussed how to continue growing the game of lacrosse.
During that conversation, I spoke about my son, Gordon, to help others understand the importance of talking openly about mental health. Gordon's motto, "Take Care of Your Crew," has such a profound impact, and with every chance I get, I will speak about how just asking someone, "How can I help?" can make a world of difference.
Our Native brothers and sisters refer to lacrosse as the "Medicine Game" because it has healing powers. That could not feel more true to me than it does today.
September 11th will always be a sad day for me, as I remember people I love and admire, like my dear friend and former boss, Jimmy O'Neill, who we lost a few years ago. The picture below is Jimmy's Facebook profile photo, alongside some posts I’ve made over the years. Jimmy and I stood shoulder to shoulder on September 11, trying to lead our co-workers and friends through that day and many years afterward. We lost many friends we had known for decades in the business world.
Jimmy's brother, Matt O'Neill, has been a tremendous support to me as I grieve the loss of Gordon, just as his big brother Jimmy helped me and so many others with his leadership and compassion on that terrible day. (Matt, I love you.)
I would also like to extend my gratitude to Gordon's godfather, Roger Coleman, who continues to show great leadership through his work with Tuesday’s Children [https://www.tuesdayschildren.org].
As a country and as individuals, we must continue to show leadership, empathy, and love toward one another. When you say your prayers today, please remember all those we lost on September 11, 2001, their families, and anyone you have lost since that time.
Let’s all "Take Care of Our Crew."
Reflection on 9/11:
Like many of you, tomorrow is a very somber day for me. Out of respect for those who lost their lives and the pain their families continue to endure, I avoid social media on this day. I implore you to take a few minutes from your day to reflect on those who lost their lives, as well as the brave men and women who rushed into the buildings when everyone else was rushing out. Our firefighters, police officers, and first responders made unimaginable sacrifices. The victims at the Pentagon and on Flight 93 will also remain in our hearts forever.
I’ll never forget that day. I was supposed to be there, but Anthony Conroy rescheduled our meeting for the following week, sparing me. Even after 19 years, I still carry a wide range of emotions—sadness, anger, and reflection. While I try to stay positive, this is one day when I allow myself to be sad. The note below, which popped up on my timeline from nine years ago, serves as another reminder of this difficult time.
A Decade of Reflection:
Ten years ago, on a similarly beautiful morning, I looked up at the clear blue sky and couldn’t help but remember September 11. I reflect daily as I look at Lt. Kevin Donnelly’s (my wife’s cousin, Ladder Company 3 NYFD) mass card, which sits in my office. I also think of my college housemate, Tommy Crotty, who played basketball for the Marist Red Foxes, and of the great Cornell lacrosse player, Eamon McEneaney, one of my counselors at Stroudsburg Lacrosse Camp, who I modeled my game after. Both were taken too soon on that day.
I remember the 25 business colleagues we lost, and the countless families who were forever changed. I also remember the brave military men and women who continue to protect our freedom.
Lest we forget September 11, 2001.
Please consider donating to the Gordon J. Corsetti Mental Agility Foundation to help us keep Gordon’s legacy alive.
Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for help. In an emergency, please call 911.
If you or someone you know is seeking help for mental health concerns, visit the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) website, or call 1-800-950-NAMI(6264).
For confidential treatment referrals, visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website, or call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357).
