Dieing student made "king" for the day

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Mrs Behavin

Mrs Behavin

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Dying Student Named Homecoming King Thanks to Kindness of Fellow Students | Share A Good Deed

Last night I was doing my typical browse of ESPN.com to catch up on all of the pro football news when I came across a heartwarming story about five high school seniors who gave up the chance to be their high school's homecoming king so that a fellow student, who was dying with leukemia, would be able to be "king for a day."
Long story short, the five young men (four football players and one golfer) that comprised the homecoming court of Michgan's Lake Fenton High School got together and decided to honor their sick friend, Eli Florence, a sophomore at their high school, by announcing at the school's pep rally that the "king's court" had decided that nobody would be able to vote for them, and that they had all agreed that the homecoming king should and would be Eli.
According to the article, Eli was not at the pep rally, so he had no idea that he would be named homecoming king and nearly missed the half-time ceremony because he was receiving medical treatments. Thankfully, he was able to arrive just before the homecoming festivities began and was completely shocked when the PA announcer told the crowd that Eli would be this year's homecoming king.
If you would like to read the entire story on ESPN (which I highly recommend that you do), here is the link to the article. I think even the most hardened of us will find ourselves getting a small lump in our throat.
It was refreshing to read the story not only because it was genuinely moving, but because it was nice to finally read a good character story regarding athletes. After spending most of the summer hearing about how many athletes had gotten in trouble with the law, it was very nice to be able to read a story about athletes acting as true heroes.
Even if the spotlight of the NFL or PGA Tour never shines on these five exceptional high school students, they have proven that athletes can still be heroes and role models, and that things that may seem like a small sacrifice to us (i.e. giving up the chance to be homecoming king) can make a profound impact on someone else's life.
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Mrs Behavin

Mrs Behavin

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I just noticed at the bottom of the link this was posted:

Unfortunate news regarding Eli

On October 15th, 2007 soccermum says:
Unfortunately, Eli lost his fight with leukemia Sunday. Here's the follow up article on ESPN.com. While it's certainly very sad news, it's comforting to know that before his death he was able to find out how much he meant to the other students and people at his school and community. :(:(:(
 
COOL_BREEZE2

COOL_BREEZE2

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I'm back. Just finished reading the story.

That's what good stuff are made of. You can't help read a story like that and not feel warm inside. Humbled even. To know that with all the stress and hard times people go through life at times there are people that care. Willing to give of themselves...to make a sacrifice. That sometimes you feel you may be going through a hard time and there's always somebody else less fortunate than you. Someone who would trade places with you if given the chance. Someone who is holding on for dear life and value every second they could knowing the inevitable is near.

Who knows for what purpose young Eli was put on this earth. Perhaps he was able to touch some lives by example and spirit in a way no one else may have been able to.

Condolences to his mom. family and friends. His spirit will live on.

Bon voyage King Eli. R.I.P.
 
HouseOvaries

HouseOvaries

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COOL_BREEZE2 said:
That's really cool House. I'm really glad to hear that. Kudos to you.
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You were right about me with the warm and caring on the inside and a tough shell on the outside. This story made me realize that even people that aren't there to see it are still rememebered. :(
 
COOL_BREEZE2

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HouseOvaries said:
You were right about me with the warm and caring on the inside and a tough shell on the outside. This story made me realize that even people that aren't there to see it are still rememebered. :(
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I know. Could have seen it. You know something? You're a smart guy too. I expect to hear good things of you in the future. Just got to put your mind to it.
 
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