Meet Anthony, Jeremy's friend.
In yesterday's post, I shared the story of Jeremy. His generosity peaked the interest of his friend, Anthony, and now this young man has chosen to "make a difference". Here is his story as told by his grandmother. It's a heartwarming story about Anthony, and when his mother passed away at a young age, he was surrounded in love by people who chose to "Do What's Right". 
Anthony lost his mother to an aggressive form of lymphoma in March 2007. He was just over 8 years old. He and his mother lived with me from the time of his birth. His father is not involved in his life.
Her greatest joy was her son. She had been told by many doctors that she would not be able to have a child. Instead, she brought home any and every baby that her friends and relatives would lend her. She was a devoted mother who was very (overly, at times) protective of her son. She very much believed that involvement in sports would keep her energetic son busy and provide the male leadership/examples that would be instrumental in his development.
Little did we know, how important basketball would be. I continued him in basketball and karate after her death. In addition, we added Sylvan tutoring as he was behind in school and has a learning disability.
I don't know if Marie had a premonition about the future when she signed him up for basketball, but it certainly has provided him with a physical and mental outlet. And, the continuity and support of his (mine and her) favorite coach has been so important to us. Jeremy and Anthony have played on leagues together since they were about five.They haven't always been on the same team, but they have been friends. Coach Franks, and Assistant Coach Nelson,have made extraordinary efforts to be there for Anthony.
Anthony attended several of Jeremy's birthday parties before deciding that he too had too many toys (and way too little storage). In February 2009, he asked if he could follow Jeremy's example and request contributions to a charity instead of presents. We talked about which charity to support. He decided to collect for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of his mother.
He also helped gather up his loose change, and some of my dollars, for a school mate who had a heart transplant last year. And he followed his progress via internet.
This year, Lake Park Elementary has reinforced the importance of being a giver. He has helped them collect for several charities. And, once again, he decided that he really didn't need anymore presents. After walking with the Nthezone team at the Heart Walk in November and studying the AHA at school, he chose the American Heart Association. He raised $295.
I know that his mother is so proud of him! She had the same giving nature. Always there for a friend or neighbor. There is no greater honor that Anthony can give his mother than to follow her example and Jeremy's example.
Marie also selected Godparents that provide Anthony with love, fun, and support from the age group of his mother. My nephew and his wife drive from Lee County to attend nearly every basketball game, talent show, karate grading, or just to visit/play with him.
She talked me into finding a rescued dog for Anthony despite my previous decision to wait until he was older. That little beagle is another source of comfort to him. Someone he speaks to and cuddles with. When she was in Miami in the hospital, her dad and I took turns staying with her. One of us would be in Naples with Anthony while the other was in Miami (and to prove that God has a strange sense of humor, he got the chicken pox despite the vaccine). Anthony
had never spent a night away from both his mother and I. His grandfather and step-grandmother kept his dog with him at their house when I was on the other coast. I would call to check on him and he would tell me that he was okay but the dog was homesick. That was my signal to swap places with his Grand-dad..
I legally adopted Anthony in November 2008. So he is both my son and my grandson. He brings me more joy than I could ever imagine. With the help of so many, he amazes me. He strives to be a leader and an example.
One day, at afterschool, the other kids were laughing and pointing at a young man who was alone in the skate park and seemed troubled. Anthony spoke up and admonished the others that the boy was probably new to the area and looking for friends. He came home and told me how it bothered him to see the boy as he looked so lonely (they aren't allowed to play in the skate park). He mentioned it several days. He has the unique ability, at a very young age, to put himself
in the shoes of others.
Another day, I expressed my concern about a neighborhood child that he was playing with. He calmly told me that he was teaching the boy (who is a year older) not to be so angry and not to curse.
He's continued his mother's friendship with several elderly neighbors. He stops and talks to them frequently and takes them cookies at Christmas that he helps bake. He takes the young children in the neighborhood under his wing and teaches them different sports.
As you might imagine, March is a difficult month for us. We are approaching the date of her death on the 27th. Anthony has asked what day his mother passed away and seems more aware of the timing this year. We will send her balloons with his handwritten messages."
Jake's Mission has sent Anthony a DWR wristband. He is another example of "doing good"!
