Saturday, May 27, 2017
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To Lou & Carol & the Menapace and O'Brien families:
Our hearts and prayers go out to both of you and to the whole extended family.
A mnemonic that we can use to help us think of Louis is the word PEACE that we now pray he has.
Playful - Being his 4th grade CYO basketball coach, taking him and my son skiing, coming over the house, going to a ballgame, etc. Louis always loved having a good time and you just had to smile and laugh as a result.
Energetic - Always on the go! - When skiing (the boys were boarding) and he decided to lead us all over a ski jump. Well, 2 out of the three of us made it over standing up. When I wiped out trying to keep up with them, it actually broke up a kidney stone that I unknowingly had - Thank you Louis!
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Attentive - Just when you thought he may not have been paying attention such as in the huddle, there was Louis coming up with the correct answer when asking confirmation questions or a executing a great hustle play to get the rebound, defend the person you needed him to, or commit the intentional foul that sealed the game!!
Caring - What sticks in our minds for many of us, if one of his teammates or friends were down because of a bad play, bad call, etc. he would greet the player, sit next to them on the bench and put his arm around them and say something like that was a bad call, or good try or you'll make it next time, etc. He would do anything to encourage and console them. The big heart!
Eternal - Eternal rest grant unto Louis, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Louis's too brief 24 years of life left an indelible mark on all of us. When we think of him, remember to smile, laugh, do something with a little extra oomph, or pay attention and console someone, etc. Can't you imagine the Lord smiling up there, belly laughing and saying Louis! And Louis giving him that sly look right back with his big grin!
