Gary Keating - One Lasting Tribute: Celebrating A Fathers Life, Son Who Will Never Give Up

Copyright 2022 by Gary Keating

ISBN: Paperback 978-1-956096-91-0

eBook 978-1-956096-92-7

LCCN: 9781956096910

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

Someone once asked me how I hold my head up so high after all Ive been through. I said, its because no matter what, I am a survivor. Not a victim.

~ Patricia Buckley

Contents

To John Keating, who taught faith, strength, courage, determination, and perseverance. One who led others to be the best they can, not only on the basketball court, but most importantly in life. You taught the biggest game of all. Then for fourteen years you took on and faced the biggest and most challenging opponent: Parkinsons disease. You showed us all once again how those virtues you taught are demonstrated.

To Kathy Keating, a source of strength and support as a caregiver for the last thirty years. Showed everyone what love and being by ones side truly means beyond what could be truly understood. You demonstrated that faith, hope, and love can endure. Now as you take on your own personal battles, all that you gave will be returned back to you.

To all those who have been there by our side, whether from the very beginning or those who joined along the way. The support given to us along this journey every day is not only appreciated but will never be forgotten. It is because of all of you that we are still going strong. That strength gives the courage to be able to tell this story.

To any and all who may have been inspired. If you are on this journey yourself, or are the caregiver to the one who is in this. It is because of all of you that we are continuing to do this. If we have inspired in any way, then it all has been worth everything that we have gone through. We are all in this together. Never give up on your dreams, there is a light inside all of us. Let your light shine, dont ever let it diminish. Be who you are, who you were meant to be.

As a new year has come upon us, 2023, we do so like any other with new hope, new opportunities, and new outlook towards the future. But for one family this new year also has an added meaning.

This new year will mark the 15 th Anniversary since our father has passed away in July of 2008. Also is the 30 th year combined for a family dealing with the same disease. What would begin in 1993 with the first showing of symptoms, which led to a 1994 diagnosis for the father. This would be his journey with this disease; then after he passed away.

Later those symptoms would reappear in 2008, and lead to a 2009 diagnosis for the son. He continues where his father left off and will never give up along the way.

In this tribute to our parents, who have given everything to make us into the people we are today, One Lasting Tribute , tells some of our familys story from the beginning. The times of working hard to get to where we want to be, always being by ones side, setting the examples and discipline for life. The trials and tribulations that come along the way, and those unexpected moments that nobody saw coming.

Will tell of the basketball days between a father and son. The years spent together and for a short period of time apart on the court, but always together in life.

As was once described, what isnt written here is just as important as what is written. Even though basketball may sometimes be the backdrop it is not the full story. There is a much bigger meaning behind the story, that is to always be grateful for what you have been given, something always taught.

Then how to ultimately be there for someone when it is needed the most. Caring for one another during their most desperate times. When they cant care for themselves, caused by the affects of something never hoped for.

A thank you for all that has been taught as we try to continue the legacy you set and left behind. This is one familys story of taking on whatever may come their way. Never backing down, remembering what was taught before and continuing the same today.

Basketball Hall of Famer, Michael Jordan once stated, My heroes are and were my parents. I cant see having anyone else as my heroes. The former North Carolina Tar Heels and Chicago Bulls great never forgot where he got his start. Who were the ones that helped him, guided him, to get to where he would ascend in the game? The same statement can be said by ourselves as well. Although the only way we will make it to the Basketball Hall of Fame is if we buy an admission ticket.

How would anybody describe someone close to them as being a hero? By definition the word itself is a person who is admired and idolized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Someone who shows many characteristics. Some of which may be; bravery, conviction, perseverance, determination, and moral integrity.

Those and many others we may see as heroes can be ranging from the military, all those who defend our country every day. Choosing on their own to make the most important decision of their lives. All first responders, who work tirelessly and many times without recognition to protect and serve us all. That way no harm will come to any of us. Teachers and coaches, those who help mold the minds and improve the skills of the young put in front of them each school year and sport season.

Heroes are all around us, many times they can be found in our own homes. Just ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things.

Many of whom go unrecognized and sometimes taken for granted. These people are our parents, or any who take on that role. The ones who set the example and raise us to be who we are. At the same time helping us through our most difficult times.

May feel like they are just doing what they should or what they are supposed to be doing. They are not doing anything extraordinary, just doing their best. But in reality, what they are doing is making their own familys lives just a little bit better. It is because of their example that we are who we are, what we do, and what we want to become in the future.

They are and always have been our very first protectors, responders, teachers, coaches. Whatever it is we may need at any given moment in our lives. They wear many hats, filling and taking on so many different roles, and doing it all without any personal training whatsoever before taking on the task.

These are the ones who from day one to the very end show the discipline and offer the healing necessary all at the same time. They are not characters, they are real people.

As the old saying goes, Not all heroes wear capes. This is true of anyone who is placed in front of us. They are the ones who help and guide us along the way of life.

This can include anyone, and ultimately, can be all of us. You can be a hero for another, the one person others can look to for an example. Be that ear to listen, or give support when needed to get someone through whatever they may be faced with at the time.

Many say they are not a leader. But when you really look inside yourself, there is a leader in all of us. We all just have to believe in ourselves that we have the given abilities to be one. Following what has been given by those before us and expanding on that to others. Giving back to a whole new generation in the world.