On Friday late afternoon I learned of a catastrophic event affecting our extended family. The day before Michelle Curtain and her mother were involved in a 5 car accident. The accident resulted in both of their deaths.
Michelle was only 32. She was a friendly woman, always with a smile at each match in 8-ball and 9-ball. She was a fierce competitor. She had been in the league for 3 years and played with her father, Dave, in the 9-ball league.
My 9-ball team played Michelle and Dave's team on Wednesday. It was a good match, with several close games. Michelle, a level 3 player lost her match but was very close to winning. Her ability was one of the reasons why she was at the top of the MVP competition and one of the top ranked at her skill level.
Michelle was on the Board of Governors and a former Division Representative. She was a 2008 National Singles Regional Runner-Up. She was a dear friend to many and well liked throughout the league. Which says nothing of the many many people that she was friends with and touched in her work and life.
The entire APA in Endicott and the area feel for the loss that Dave Curtain has. There are few words that I can say to express my shock and remorse about this sudden tragic loss.
Perhaps the only thing I can say is what I feel about such a situation. I believe that our loved ones go on from this world, to never have pain or suffering. They are at peace and are released from the burdens that we face day to day. They no longer have pain, they are whole and complete and surrounded by the loved ones of all time that have gone before us. They look down upon us with compassion and love, knowing that this is part of a plan far greater than any we can imagine; and that one day, when it is our time, we will join them in an eternal bliss.
I truly believe that. I believe that is the case for my father and grandmother, my uncles and many friends over the years that all passed far too soon. I believe this for Michelle and Dave's wife.
I hope that these words can help to give some solace. I pray that Dave can have the strength to overcome his grief. I wish that all in our APA family are drawn together more strongly, with love and hope. Our family has been reduced by 1, and it is the strength of us all combined that will allow us all to move forward each in our own time, not forgetting but coming to terms with this shock.
For those that would like to contribute something to help Dave Curtain in this time of grief and need - I will be posting a comment to this post once something is created. For those in the local area, the VFW Post 1449 in Endicott [103 Nanticoke Ave Endicott NY 13760] is taking donations to help Dave in this time of need.
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