Merry Christmas Little Brother
A long time ago, you & I were talking & you said that what truly touched you heart was knowing that people are thinking about you & praying for you & your family. And throughout the past few years, you have received so much love & support with lots of wonderful notes, letters, gifts, & emails telling you just what a pretty great guy you are.
As a little gift from me to you, I complied just a few thoughts of caring love & support & some of your family & friends. I hope this page brings a smile to your face & a warm feeling to your heart.
I want to thank all of you who sent me these beautiful thoughts. Each & everyone of your emails made me cry- a good cry- reading just how much my brother is loved. But then again, I kind of knew that already.
Sergio- I Love You Too Much.... your favorite sis (don't tell the others- they'll just be jealous), Sonia
******************
to anyone who would like to add their thoughts and words- email Sonia at sliekhus@pacbell.net
if you want to write to Sergio directly, you can do so via email- delucaland@yahoo.com
***********
Dear
Sergio,
Merry Christmas my good friend! I hope this note brings a smile to your face knowing I am just one of hundreds of people that love and care about you. You will always hold a special place in my heart for helping me through my divorce years ago. You looking after my yard, watering, mowing etc WEEKLY, made me feel taken care of and not singled out as a single woman who was hurting so much. THANK YOU for such a giving heart. We don’t see you outside much anymore which is understandable but we do miss you. Your strength and courage and attitude in dealing with ALS are a testament to all of us who are dealing or will deal with any major life change in our lives. As I’ve said before, you may never know how you affect others in this lifetime, but you will.
One of my favorite quotes that may inspire you is this: “Life is not measured by the breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.”
I know every breath of
yours right now is a gift so that alone is something I pray for
daily. But within each day, may you notice the little things in
life that may lift you up and make you feel loved and adored and
encouraged.
Love your friend and neighbor,
Bonnie Yoder
**********************
I met Sergio on the fields of Santana Park in the spring of 2000 during a coaches team uniform pick-up day.......Who would have thought during that chance meeting a friendship would bloom in and around that very spot we had met.
We were dads of 8 year old boys who wanted to play soccer and we were ex-players wanting to be coaches to our boys. As time and seasons passed Sergio and I became common fixtures of the fields of Corona and our boys grew to be more than friends. They became surrogate brothers and we became surrogate uncles to each others kids.
Sergio and I share a
passion for the game and soccer and we did everything we
could to instill that same love into our boys by
providing a safe, fun and competitive atmosphere for our
boys to shine. In the early years we were opponents and
adversaries on the field and then became allies to
defeat teams with our boys all over Corona. Sergio and I
were a pair of coaches to be reckoned with during game
times and with his help I was able to view most of my
games from the parking lot.
In our friendship one thing has always remained the same. We always loved to be on the field with our boys. Sergio and I have shared so many good times on the fields of Santana Park that the list is too long to write. One thing is for certain........Corona soccer is a better organization because Sergio was there.
I'm blessed to have met such a friend and individual in my lifetime. Courage, tenacity, and dignity are the words I use to describe my friend Sergio. He inspires me to remain an advocate to the philosophy we grew up with in that we "work-hard, play-hard" and the rewards will follow. I love Sergio Deluca with all my heart and soul. I knew we would be friends after the first 5 minutes we met and I know we will remain friends until the end of time. We will meet one day at the pearly gates and show the rest of heaven how Serg and I play soccer "Corona Style".........Much love to you Sergio and your family.
******************
heavy
while the kids all slept. I will never forget
the huge crush I had on him in high school and
then the good friends we became. I love ya Serg
and it breaks my heart to see ya this way....God
Bless you and Kel and Frankie and Alyssa.
***********************
Remember when we took you to the river,
and your parents thought we went
with my parents till the next day. You caught hell
for it but we had a goodtime. You are very strong
with what you are dealing with my HAT is off to you
. You will always be my dearest best friend- the
times we had are priceless.
****************
Norma, and Pat walking down the railroad tracks
to Mc Donald's, or our families hanging out at
your house on a Sunday afternoon. Your mom's
delicious cooking. Norma and I cheering you,
Pat, and the Mustang's on. We had fun times!
Your dad would be so proud of you. I know he
would be cheering you on with his cowbell! You
are a cherished friend and a wonderful father.
You are brave and strong. You are my HERO! I
love you my dear friend Serg!********************************
Sergio,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this Christmas season and all year long. May God Bless and keep you,
Bob and Lori Henderson
*********************************************
Serg,
There are
very few people that have had the sort of impact on
my life that you have had. It’s been almost thirty
years since you became my closest friend. You and
your folks made me feel like part of the family and
as far as I’m concerned, even though we’ve been
separated by all these miles, and years of me
wandering the country, you’re always my brother.
We did a lot of growing up together and I think about it every day. There was some funny, crazy stuff…way too much to list … enough, I think, to write a book. And, I bet people would think I was making much of it up. But, we would know….
It breaks my heart to know what you’re suffering. I’ll need God to explain this to me some day. But, I trust He will and it will all become glorious. The dignity and courage you’ve shown through this episode is going to mean a lot to some people…I’m pretty sure.
For now, I hope you know that a lot of what I like about myself and my life has a lot to do with you. The sound of your laugh will echo in my head for as long as I live.
Thanks for your friendship. Dave Cox
************************
Fun Facts I
Remember About You From Jr. High, Sergio:
You and Alan Feldman had a band named
Dallas, and Stairway to Heaven was
your signature song.
You were the
most awesome soccer player!!
You always walked home from school...too cool to ride the bus.
You were the most awesome soccer player!!
You only danced slow songs.
You ate your spaghetti WITHOUT sauce...and you claimed to be Italian???
You were on the Student Council, and spent a lot of time in the Student Store at lunch.
You did not like amusement parks.
Your favorite color was blue.
Oh, and did I
mention that you were the most awesome soccer
player?
Happy Holidays, Serg, memories of you always make me
smile!!
Love & friendship, Dianna (Yee) Smith
**************************
"I
consider myself very lucky to have met Serge. Serge
is a unique individual and one that always speaks
what's on his mind. You always know where you stand
with Serge."
I have so many fond memories of Serge. All involve
soccer. I miss him on the soccer fields with me
regards, Miguel Cortez
***********
Hi Sergio.....I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. It has been my pleasure to spend more time with you this past year.
Every once in a
great while somebody comes along and touches your
life as you have done mine. You have handled this
unexpected journey your life has taken
with such bravery and such grace.
And all the while
made me laugh with those great emails!
I hope the New Year brings you love, laughter and
peace of mind.
You are always in my prayers.....Love, Shari Liekhus
******************
Sergio, Kelly, and Family
What an Inspiration you all are, each and every one
of you of what a FAMILY is
and how they work together during such a hard time.
You are all an Inspiration and have set such high
goals to all of us. Continued Best Wishes, and Much
Love and Kisses to you All,
From the Frederick Family. (Jeff, Sherry and Blake)
************************
A Few things about Mr. Sergio-
I just had to write to tell Mr. Sergio how much I care about you. Mr. Sergio is a really nice guy, also a really good patient and friend to me. My life is richer because of our friendship. He has good sense of humor, kind disposition.
To Mr. Sergio
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season full of happiness and good health!!
Mr. Jun Paek (your acupuncturist)
***********************************
Serg-
When I think of you, I think about the many fun
nights we shared when
our babies were little. Ken & Leann, John & Lori,
and You & Kelly. Ah the memories, what good times
we had! Although that chapter in our lives has been
behind us for sometime, I want you to know I
care and love you and your family. Sending you warm
wishes and keeping you in my prayers.
Love,
Marlena, Jordan and Sean
**********************
night with Kobe. Every time I see it, I think
of you and your family. I've gone on so many
amazing dreams but yours touched my heart more
than most. I think your personal strength and
your family's support was unique. **************************************
My dearest Serg.
Well I was asked to write
how I feel about you and truly I can write a book.
This will be a very small version of what I really
feel for you. As you know like it or not you are my
best friend. Walking onto the field that day, when
we really first met, and you called me a bad name. I
looked at you and called you one right back! We
laughed and that was that. No one understood how
someone could get so close so fast. I know it takes
years to form what we have. For God
sakes, I went over 1500 texts on your a**. We sat
back as people talked about you and I. Sorry to
everyone but we were having fun seeing what everyone
had to say cuz that is how we roll. And that is our
saying to each other "that’s how we roll". I wish my
phone kept every time you called me and played lean
on me on my recorder. And I remember rushing when I
heard it to play it on yours .I
would listen to it day in and day out.
Seeing you fight this illness has changed every part of who I am. I was at my back dr. and he asked why aren’t you complaining about this pain. I said "my best friend has ALS and I have learned so much from him. It was quiet and he said I know that disease and I understand why you would say that.
I have in my heart our deep talks that no one will ever know. I’m so blessed and proud to be someone you trusted in your happy days and in your worst days. I love you more than you will ever know.
We never know what tomorrow brings in any of our lives but through this you have given me a gift- love as hard and deeply as you can. Fight with all your heart and never give up. Don’t take anything for granted. Laugh even in despair. And to cry- because real men do cry.
I will live differently forever because of you. I know you are a humble man and this may be a bit much but it is all true. I look around and see how many people love you and the out pouring of people it is something I’ve never seen before. It is the love everyone has for this man with this ALS- a disease most of us never even knew was out there (I did not). You have brought awareness to this horrible monster.
Well, see I’m writing a book. In closing, I wanted to tell you the day when everyone left and we were in our place under the gazebo and the wind was blowing and we had that talk. I realized that you and I are connected in a way I’ll never understand. But I do know it is amazing. I don’t need for you to talk. I get what you’re saying in your eyes. I don’t know why I was picked to be your best friend, even if I’m a girl. I do not see a man or a women- I just see a person. A person that means the world to me, a person that I want to lean on me when you are not strong and ill be your friend ill help you carry on. With all my love Heather LaFosse
**************
I worked with Serg a lot back in the mid 80’s
hanging ceilings. In that trade, it is common
to bounce around to different sites during the
course of a week. Whenever I saw Serg roll up
in the morning, I knew the day would be fun.
Sergio fancied himself quite the comedian and he
usually didn’t disappoint. He would do
an
imitation of one of the guys and it would be so
funny, we would have to beg him to stop. Serg
himself would be on the ground rolling, laughing
at the havoc he had created. Once, Sergio and I
were working out of town in
Bakersfield and we were eating in a Taco
Bell. The lady serving us, a very “ manly “
woman if you get my drift, gave me my order, and
I accidentally said “ thank you sir “ . After
my Freudian slip, we lost Serg for about 10
minutes while he laughed himself into a
frenzy…..
Thank you, Mike Morgan
**************
You continue to inspire me with your incredible strength and courage. I don't see you often but when I do you always have a beautiful smile for everyone.
I will continue praying for you daily, I want you to know how deeply we love and care about you. Merry Christmas. Love,
**************************
Dear Sergio,
We are so blessed to know you. You and your family are very special to us. We want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
"Never Give Up". God Bless.
Love, Tim, Sameena, Nicole & Jake McEntee
*************
Sergio-
When asked if I
wanted to share
something with you for
Christmas I
couldn’t think of one
special thing to
say. Honestly the whole
past 6 months have been
a gift. From the first
time we talked about
coaching a team in June
to actually making it a
reality. I loved every
minute of the season.
You are an amazing
coach! Some great times
I hold with me from the
past 6 months…
- Medaling in the Commissioners Cup
- Medaling in the Season
- You getting so mad at the girls one game that you motored out to the center of the field, couldn’t say anything because you were going to blow and left me out there with them.
- When we went to Amanda’s play and we were blown away how an amazing soccer player could sing and act…We just smiled like WE were the proud parents.
- When I talked about you after the tournament and you didn’t want to get emotional in front of people and started motoring away on the field and I chased after you telling you to stop…(How funny that must have looked)
- When we won a game during the playoffs to move on and I was so excited I started jumping around like a fool and you cracked up and the next day I said, “Man my neck and back are killing me today”…..
**But my fondest time of the past 6 months has been for me and my family to get to know you and your family and becoming REAL FRIENDS…I treasure our talks about soccer, family and life! Merry Christmas my friend!
Love Donna, Mike, Rachel and Ryan Tice
****************
Hey Serg!
I just wanted to say that
even though I have only known
you since 2005, it seems like
I've known you forever. I admire
the fact that you have
extraordinary God
given courage and strength to
push on and continue to live
through this ALS disease,
regardless of the prognosis
given to you. In addition, you
are determined to continue being
a husband and dad to your family
which I also admire about you as
well. There is a saying quoted
from Father Junipero Serra,
founder of the California
Missions, that I have on a
pendant that states,
"Always go forward and never look back".
Always go
forward Serg and continue to
fight the battle of ALS. May God
always keep you strong...I love
you, my brother in Christ!!!
Love Always,
Dr. Marla D. Hamilton
**************
The first time I met you I
felt like I had known you for
years. My relationship with Ken
has always been full of wild
stories from both of your
youths. These stories have
given me a connection to you and
my husband. Over the years I
have gotten
to know you better as a person
and a friend.
It is to no surprise that you
have such a strong circuit of
friends. I hope you know that
your name is mention frequently
in our home as you are thought
of often and a crazy
story usually follows that makes
me laugh.
Lots of Love,
Shannon Evans
************
Sergio -
I have been blessed to have you
as my best friend for so many
years. In a lot of ways you were
like a brother to me. There was
a time in our lives when you
were the first person I wanted
to talk to in the morning and
the last one at night. With
that came our 'brotherly
competition' with cars, ATC's,
jet ski's, shaggin' chicks,
partying, drinking and so on.
Some of the best times of my
life were with you at the River,
Ocitillio Wells, and just cruzin'
around town. I will always
remember your sense of humor and
the laughter we shared. I will
hold these special memories
close to my heart and I'm proud
to call you my best friend.
Love,
Ken...aka Walt (Evans)
*******************************
You are an
inspiration to all who meet
you, Sergio. You have
brought out a level of
passion and compassion in
our daughter (Alex) that we
didn't know was
there.
We are so very glad that we were able to have this season with you. Buon Natale to you and your family, Sergio!!
Doug and Christine Jensen
*******************
Sergio- You are a huge inspiration to me. The way you "never give up" and there's always a smile on your face. I don't know how you do it. I would not be able to keep going like you are.
I'm
so happy that you
were my coach. You
taught me a lot more
than just soccer. My
life has completely
changed because of
you. You will never
know truly how much
you have impacted my
life. I can't really
put it into words. I
love you so much and
I will never forget
you. You can bet on
that.
I will miss seeing you and Donna every week. This was my favorite team.... by far. I hope you have a Merry Christmas.
love Alex (Alexandra) Jensen
*****************
To my handsome baby brother who doesn't seem to age.
You have made
me laugh with
all the jokes
you use to call
me about, but
the
biggest giggle I
got was watching
you tell Frankie
how to take care
of the back
yard. Being
right next to
him on every
move, inch by
inch
of perfection as
our dad did to
you. You take
after mom in the
green thumb
award as for me
my plastic
flowers are
doing great.
ha-ha.
Love ya always and forever. your big sis, Lusiana
******************
So Serg, Pretty cool huh?!? I know you have heard some really amazing & wonderful things that people have said to you & about you in the past few years but I just wanted you to be able to not only hear but to read & re-read (as you do) some great stuff about you. Sometimes kinds words & thoughts is the very best gift of all.
People always ask me about you & how you & your family are doing. When I tell them how you keep living each & every day- the fact that you are meticulous (others might call it "anal") about your yard- how you decided early on to try some out of the ordinary tactics concerning your health (organics, acupuncture, the shots in Mexico, etc.)- & of course- that you were still coaching soccer even though you were in a wheelchair & couldn't really talk well, just to name a few, -well, they are always amazed to know that you are still fighting your way through this world.
I remember
the times that
you would call
me on your way
home from work &
we would talk
(mostly laugh)
about what we
heard on the
Frosty, Heidi &
Frank radio
show- just
knowing you & I
were listening
to the same
thing at the
same time was
kind of neat.
And the fact
that you called
me right away
when you heard
my voice on the
radio when I
called in to the
program one
time- (they
asked what the
best present we
ever got for
Christmas was &
I called to tell
them about my
puppy gift). I
barely hung up
when you were on
the line asking
me if that was
"really" me on
the radio and
"why the hell"
would I call a
radio station
for?!
Any every time Kenny & I would have a party at our house, I would get a phone call just after people have left & it was always you thanking me for a great time. Never failed! Within minutes of you & your family leaving, the phone would ring & it was you- always making Kenny & me feel appreciated.
And when it comes to soccer, you are your father's son! Of the times that I saw you coach & of all the stories that have heard, my favorites are the ones (and I do mean plural), of you getting red carded for getting a bit overly excited on the field, yelling at the refs who can't call a descent soccer game. Getting yellow carded & not too long after that, getting red carded & still yelling at the ref as you were leaving the field. One story involved a roof? Even getting carded & having to be removed from the field while you were coaching from a wheelchair! No sympathy for the guy in the wheelchair (just the way you wanted it!). And now, your son, Frankie making his mark on the world as the third generation of De Luca men to coach soccer. WOW!
And the time I heard strange "commands" coming from your backyard room & you & (3 year old) Matt were in there. You were teaching him things that you said will come in handy later in life- I'm not going to go into detail but it was all fine but very funny.
A long time ago, you told me that you had a dream, a dream where you were on the way to heaven & Enzo & Papa were there & told you that everything will be "ok". You called me that morning to tell me about it & you said that before the dream, you were really scared about this whole thing. But now, the dream seemed to help you cope. You were (and are) still scared but you knew it would be "ok". Some people may call it a dream, I choose to call it God's vision for you.
Sergio, you know that of all my siblings, YOU ARE MY FAVORITE! (don't worry, the others already knew that.) Kenny & I chose you to be the Godfather to our baby daughter, Katie- a job we consider very special. You have always been a terrific uncle to both Matt and Katie- An amazing husband to Kelly & wonderful dad to Alyssa and Frankie- A good brother to four very overbearing/over mothering sisters, a good Italian son, but most of all, you are one of my bestest buddies.
I would move mountains if I could just take this awful disease away from you. But God must have his reason for all this. I want to think that He chose you because He knew that you could get so many people to be better humans by your example of how you are dealing with it all. Your humor & your courage is amazing. I am very proud to be your big sis.
I'm sorry this is so long- I write like I talk- A LOT. But I just wanted you to know- I love you so much. Merry Christmas sweetie!
Your
favorite sis-
For Real- Sonia
******************
There are so many more people who want to write and say things to you. I am sure you will get lots more emails and writings.
You are loved!!!
***********************************
JUST ADDED- The kind thoughts and support is still coming to you , Sergio.
added 1-31-08
I would like to write an email to Sergio to thank him for being a friend over the years. Whenever I saw him, he always said hello and asked what I was doing, and I, the same! Sergio was interested in what his friends were doing, and he cared about them. Ken Evans was right. He and Sergio were best friends in high school, along with Dave Cox and the Gasporras, Ron Panozzo, Jeff Rosendale, Brunner, and the rest of friends.
Sergio and Ken Evans would listen to my band's tape in their cars, along with all the hard rock that was happening at the time- (early 80's).The institution called "high school" was only four years. The institution was torn down in 1988, and all us "Brea-Olindins" have that history. Most of our lives are what happens after childhood, and from the emails I have read, Sergio, you are a blessing to people. You are deserving of honor. May God Bless you and your family Sergio.
What I have to add may seem childish, but I have to share it with the "Breans".......
Chris Churn