Dear Mr. & Mrs. Sacco,
The past week has been an indescribable week of emotions, and until now I really couldn’t put into words the depth of my feelings for not only the situation, but for Reid. Although I really didn’t get to know Reid well until about two and a half years ago, when he began dating Bethany, since my freshman year I had known of, and heard about, the extraordinary person he was. He was always the guy at the Chorus/Band concerts and trips making sure everyone was having a good time, or improvising with miscellaneous instruments. His love for life and great moods were contagious. And for that reason, Reid always seemed to have an extended entourage, every person trying to hear his stories, his jokes, or just his laughter, for even that could make you that much happier, and make you enjoy life that much more. That is exactly what he wanted.
I remember hearing the great story of how Reid asked Bethany out on top of the Eiffel Tower and of the strategic planning that went into that moment. Reid made sure every detail was perfect. Reid would not have it any other way. Each action Reid took was planned out, measured with pros and cons, in a logical manner. However, that day did not only bring Reid and Bethany together, it allowed me to befriend one of the most amazing people I have ever met in my entire life, and I thank you for that. Every child is a result of his or her upbringing, and with Reid, as well as Weston, you could have done no better.
Reid was intelligent, caring, humble, and always the optimist. Never one to back down from anything, he was an inspiration to anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. No matter what the topic or issue, Reid would sit and have a conversation of any length. I can recall many instances where Reid and I would talk at great length. Whether it was a problem with friends or school, he would offer any input he could, thinking out the possible steps that could be taken in order to obtain the favorable outcome. He always seemed to have the right answers, but that was what made him ‘Reid’, and that was what made him such a great friend to have.
No only was he great for talking. You knew that whenever Reid was around it would be a good time. Many of the times we got to hang out were either at a house around town or at the many semi-formals and proms. But no matter what the occasion, once Reid arrived, the mood would change, and he was often the focus. Making a normal game of Mario Cart more intense, Reid always know exactly how to win since the game involved driving cars. Or it was the way he and Bethany would captivate the dance floor, making everyone jealous in the room for the love they had for one another. Or it was even the excitement he shared while watching the movie Top Gun with us, when the sound of the fighter jet would pound through the subwoofers in my basement. He would later compare the sound system in my family room to the amazing system he had in his Saab. Reid took such pride in everything he possessed and did.
I must admit, every time I see a Saab, like many other things, I think of Reid, and I don’t think that will ever change. But I am glad I have that, for it will remind me of the amazing person I got to have in my life. When Reid was first diagnosed, I would have never imagined the next two years of his life having been like they were. But, Reid never let that stop him. Reid’s combination of strength and courage is something I could only dream of having, and something I plan on striving for in the future. If I could become half the person Reid was, I would consider myself successful, for the man that Reid had become in his 20 years is something not often seen in an entire lifetime.
The next weeks, months, and years will be tough for everyone who knew Reid. But everyone who knew Reid can say something that many people cannot: That they knew a true hero.
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Christopher Reeve.
Reid was like no other, and I take great pride in being able to say I was friends with him. He will forever be in my heart, and a constant reminder that no obstacle is too large; the only way to challenge it is head-on and to fight with everything you have.
He will be greatly missed.
Jackie