On the anniversary of the death of my friend….
By: James Santoro
Posted on June 7, 2012
Today marks the anniversary of the passing of my close friend Tom Emma. As you probably have noticed, I have left the story of my relationship with Tom as our top story for the entire year. As time passed since his death, I just couldn’t seem to find the right day to archive it. Tommy just meant that much to my family and I.
On this day, I will be down in my hometown…..and Tommy’s home town, Manhasset. I have no specific plans today, other than just being here with my wife, and possibly two of my boys. I plan on spending some time with Mr. and Mrs. Emma but not sure when or how much. I will also spend some time with some of mine and Tommy’s closest friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Emma are doing as well as can be expected, as are Tommy’s sister Liz and nephew Jack. I anticipate today being difficult for all of us. Some of my friends plan on going to the site, the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan, where Tommy’s life tragically ended. They plan on saying a prayer for him and his family at the exact time of his death. I’m not sure I will or can join them.
All of us that were close to Tom have been dealing with this tragedy as best we can. Although it will never be easy and I will never truly understand it, I have tried to come to terms with it and have internalized all that I can from his life. With Tom’s parents blessing, I have been working on sharing some of the things with athletes that I have learned from him in the over thirty five years that we were friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Emma wish for Tom’s legacy to continue. To that end, I will be offering all of the books that Tommy Authored on our website. We have not worked out all the details yet, but the concept will be to try to make them available, through a donation, to anyone that wants them.
Additionally, there will be an annual scholarship, that as the director of Edge Athletics, I will be awarding to one individual in the basketball community that best represents all that Tom believed in. There will more on both of these actions in the very near future.
As evident on the website calendar, there will be no Edge basketball practice today. I ask all our parents in our program to give their child an additional hug today, regardless of their age, and remember to keep things in the proper perspective. I also ask that our athletes try to step back and understand all that your parents do for you and how much they love you. And finally, I ask all that are reading this to keep those that are special to you close to your heart and to never take for granted those special people in your life.
June 15th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
Coach, I must say this is a great tribute to a friend. I hope every kid in the program gets a chance to read this.
June 17th, 2011 at 10:26 am
That is such a beautiful, touching story. What a special person he was, and what a lifetime friend he found in you!
Thinking of you and your family!
June 17th, 2011 at 7:45 pm
Your story and friends are inspirational to Jack and the rest of my family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Tommy and your families.
June 21st, 2011 at 11:17 pm
What a beautiful, heartfelt tribute to your dear friend. You have been blessed to have had such an amazing person in your life and that you recognized just how special he always was to you. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. The Recine Family
June 26th, 2011 at 12:20 am
Jim:
I am very sorry for your loss as I know how much Tommy meant to you and your family and always will. I never knew the whole story of your relationship with Tommy but this tribute to a friend explains it all. It explains why you are so passionate about what you do and why you do it so well. Thank you for being that Tommy in my life and I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers as you go through this difficult time in your life.
January 18th, 2012 at 10:58 pm
a death shows a mans qualities> this story put your best on narrative display> i am proud beyond words to call tom emmas friend my friend> somehow i know that tom knows that you have made a difference in so many lives> never to overlooked, my own son for whom you made it all blossom> sometimes it takes the right friday night>toms best lives in your passion, your teaching, your caring, your unbelieveable tenacity and your love>go lourdes>go in my peace my friend