Burgundy Bad Boys

On June 2, 2010, the one year anniversary of Joe’s death, we will have a picnic at Albion Beach.

We won’t have a ceremony, but we will say the Our Father. Joe loved this prayer. I had every intention of saying it at the cremation viewing, but I forgot the words when I saw the raw pain in Cole’s face. I considered saying it at the memorial, but I was not on speaking terms with God at the time. This is one regret I can fix.

Cole’s 8th grade class and parents will picnic with us, along with family and friends. Bring a picnic basket and join us if you are in the neighborhood. (E-mail me for  information)

The beach will be a perfect place to kick around a soccer ball, hit a baseball, and throw a football. Joe loved sports. One of Joe’s greatest pleasures was coaching AYSO soccer. One soccer season, he showed up at the AYSO Division Administrator’s house to talk him into putting all the boys from Cole’s class on the same AYSO team. The Division Administrator kept saying no, and Joe kept asking why and presenting his case.  Six hours later, the team was created with all five boys from Cole’s class. The Burgundy Bad Boys were undefeated. Joe was so damn proud of all of you and hoped all of you would play a game in Chelsea.

Last June, the Joe Ruscitti Athletic Endowment Fund was created by the Chicago Waldorf School.  This special endowment was created to honor Joe’s love of sports and his passion for youth athletics. If you would like to support this endowment, please click Paypal. If you would rather mail a check, please send it to The Chicago Waldorf School , made out to the Joe Ruscitti Endowment Fund

Glad you were in my Odd neighborhood. Odd  loves company and I would love to hear from you in the comment section of this blog, or on Facebook or Twitter!

Katybeth