This morning started with Gene and I at the gym running our usual mile together then lifting weights but something was in the air, my best friend was up for volunteer of the year for Marley’s Mission and the thought of him not winning hung heavily in the air but neither of us wanted to admit it.
As you all know Gene and I met at the most horrific point in my life but he soon became my lifeline. With every call about Kodee’s case we became closer and closer. I remember the day we became Facebook friends and I sat there with my mouse hovering over the accept button thinking he wants to be my friend… We chatted most nights all night because neither one of us could sleep. We talked of small things then bigger things as our relationship grew. For him he had witnessed the horror of this world for two decades; me a newbie to this world of unbelievable pain and suffering. I remember the long nights before the mission was conceived, Being so opened and honest about my fears. Telling Gene all of my fears then enrolling in school because the thought of another child facing what my child had faced was inconceivable. Then the day I gave him the CD labeled Marley’s Mission in my shaky handwriting. Shaky only because of who the recipient was. I had dropped it at his office when I knew he wasn’t there and waited for a call or text and when I got the call it was a simple “I’m in” He never looked back from that moment on, never wavering to the neigh Sayers about how to start a nonprofit for free because as my best friend he understood why it had to be so. He also understood Kodee and loved her like she was Katie’s little sister. The day of sentencing Gene and I sat alone in a private room on the 3rd floor of the court house, neither one of us talking about what was about to happen. It was February 2, 2010, the day I got to stand up and tell a real monster what if felt like to have your life stolen in the blink of an eye. Gene was as intense as I was, just waiting. The rest is history. To say someone holds your life in their hands is an understatement and Gene knew that from the words “I’m In” that he was totally in. Thankfully his family is as strong as he is and as passionate as he is to see these dreams come true. Without the support of Laura and Katie Gene wouldn’t be able to pursue his dream of healing our most valuable commodity; our children. He recognizes what most people don’t because he sees it day in and day out. Young lives torn apart in the blink of an eye, families ruined because the devastation runs deep. Sometimes so deep its irreparable and the damage so deep that nothing can take it away. These are the things we spoke about late at night when no one could see me cry and the funny thing was I didn’t mind that he saw my hurt because I knew without a doubt he understood the uncertainty that we faced. He also witnessed the beginning of a change in Kodee. For him it was his undoing but not in the sense the rest of the world thinks. His undoing was a positive thing. One that led him down the path he is on today. I couldn’t even begin to count the hours he has spent to ensure that this mission succeeds no matter what the cost. He works a full time job as a prosecutor, husband, father, best friend and volunteer. Weekends are spent doing paperwork, making calls and doing chores at the farm, his nights after family time are at his computer wrapping up loose ends and communicating with supporters and survivors. Laura tells me most nights she has to wake him from his study because he won’t stop until he is done. As I sit pool side with Gene and his family watching the interaction between them all I have never felt more blessed in my life to be included in something so pure and unique. The love that flows between the three of them is something I am honored to witness and inspire to find. Rebecca and I made this trip last year representing the mission because Katie had a school event that Gene wanted to attend. The days we spent in San Diego leading up to the classy awards was fun but lacking something. The night of the award show carrying flat Gene around then on the stage as they announced Marley’s Mission as best new charity was an experience I will never forget. 3,000 miles away my friend sat following the action and reporting it all to you. That is the night that forever changed my life, the night I decided I wanted to live. Not in the sense you may all think, but in the sense that when Gene heard we won he went to Laura and kissed her, they shared a moment of pure love for what he had done. As I sat alone in my hotel room that night talking to Gene I realized that I myself wanted that more than anything. Someone to share this incredible journey with; as I sit here today I am alone but only physically. My other half Kyle Kemp is in Pennsylvania at a Phillies game but will be home in time to watch the awards and cheer on Gene and what the mission represents. To most of you that may not mean a lot but to me it’s all because of Gene and his family. They give me courage when I think all hope is lost, Gene needles me because he knows my fear is deep but he also knows the worth of a committed loving relationship. Because of Laura anything is possible because she believes in him. Because of their 20 plus marriage full of promise and love Gene is the man he is today. So my dearest friend Gene; win or lose tonight I want you to know that for me you are my hero, you are the one that when all hope is lost I look to you. When I get a call or a referral that is too much to bear I turn to you because I know you understand. No matter the challenges we face as friends or an organization you have my back and I have yours. Because our story is so short in terms of years but so long in life I want you to know hands down none of this would be possible if you weren’t by my side guiding me with your wisdom and encouragement. You walk the line that most people ignore not because of your job or social standing but because it’s who you are, it’s what makes you you and makes everyone around you aspire to be that much better. So tonight whether you’re at home watching the live feed or following us on some social media outlet; Gene Talerico has done more for the 160 plus children of NEPA not because its his social responsibility but because it runs that deep for him. He is an action man, not one to follow the crowd. He is the one that blazes the trail that all others follow. If you are ever lucky enough to visit Gene at work look to the left of the door when you enter and you will find the quote that he lives by “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in times of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality.” ― Dante Alighieri, Inferno
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