In the late 1980's and early 1990's, I had the privilege of being the father of two sons, who I believed were destined for greater things than just being good and noble kids. During their Little League Baseball; Basketball and Football years, they brought a fulfilling sense of well being to see them active in sports and school activities'. Their baseball coach was Craig Siciliano, who was like a second father to each of the kids he tutored. After games, he would often leave a note of encouragement in their baseball gloves. Coach Siciliano helped this old fat man, as I would bring cold drinks for my kids, but only once did that occur. With his gentle but powering voice, he offered me help. He asked if I was going to bring cold drinks, I should bring them for all the kids. I heard him loud and clear and did so after that sultry warm day in spring. Since I couldn't afford to be in little league game as a kid, I wanted not only my boys that privilege, but helped other kids when I could. On April 30, 1992, 37 year old Coach Craig Albert Siciliano walked to the bleachers where his pregnant wife was sitting and me standing nearby. He looked pale and fatigued and asked his wife Kim for water. But before she could get it to him, he went down hard on the asphalt. Although he was much like me, having fun as a jokester, I sensed it was a bad sign. While baseball kids watched and parents panicked, I started CPR, after checking his breezeway. I had several years of training, and recall saving a life once before. But Craig was like a brother, and I was slow to start but concentrated on saving this giant of a man, who was in good physical condition. We didn't have cell phones in those days, but an ambulance arrived and I demanded to ride in the back with our Coach. The volunteer ambulance crew said he was gone, but I kept the CPR going til we got to Cottonwood Hospital, a place where I worked as part-time Security. The Doctors and Nurses tried with all their might but Craig was gone. One ER Doc recognized me and asked me to secure the door, as family and 12 year boys wanted to be next to their Coach of Life. I took all of them in a separate room and announced to their Dad, Son and Husband was gone. Back at home, I cried as hard as my sons Justin and Troy, which watched and shaken by the ordeal. The next day, I called the Medical Examiner, as I was with him the week before with an autopsy of a possible murder victim I was investigating. I asked if Craig's death was because I didn't do the CPR correctly. The Doc said Craig was dead before he collapsed, as his arteries were so blocked.
It was a dramatic experience as I had been through and it certainly was for my two boys, as it made an impact on them that I am not sure they ever got over, nor did Craig's son or his pregnant wife.
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