In Memory of Kyle Scott Delong
Sept 2, 90 - June 15,01

I first met the DeLong family three years ago, Greg was my son's first baseball coach; Greg and Kelly had two children, Kristen and Kyle and little Julia was on the way.
Kristen is a sweet girl and quiet like her dad, and Kyle was outgoing and spunky like his mom.
I could not count how many times that little boy cracked me up by just being himself, his mom would just grin and roll her eyes with a chuckle. Kyle was an active child, full of life and all the wonders that it held, and his smile was as bright and ornery as it could be.
Kyle was a good little ball player, and I thouroughly enjoyed watching him scramble around stealing base after base, he was fast, and reminded me of a rapid little spider scurrying around the bases, and so, I dubbed him spider and dreamed of the day he would make the Major's with his nickname intact.
Our first year, the team got their fannies kicked on a regular bases, but, they had a lot of heart and the summer of 2000 would be one that none of them will ever forget. You see, we were the undefeated league champions and we were all quite proud of our team. Kyle improved upon the game he loved, (even made the all star team), he continued stealing bases, played 3rd base very well, and worked on his batting. His mom and the rest of us mom's would sit behind the fence while he was at bat, all whispering to him, "Elbow up." And you'd see that little sagging elbow perk right up, and most the time he got a hit. And you should have seen that smile beaming back at you from base when he did get a hit!!!
My daughter was in the same grade as Kyle, and in the Spring program, Kyle had me howling in the aisles, he was wearing a leather jacket, funky black sunglasses, and hamming it up Kyle, style. Still makes me giggle thinking about it.
Summer of 2001 would find my son on a new ball team, I missed the old team, and when we finally played the old team, I found myself rooting for both teams, and wanting to whisper to Kyle, "Elbow's up."
Kelly and I shot the breeze for a little bit, it was just another day at the ball park.
The next afternoon, June 15, 2001, I learned of Kyle's tragic death. His death impacted so many lives like ripples in a stream, it began with his parents and family and spread out to Kyle's peers, and to every parent in this small town
Kyle was here but a short time, but, he touched many people while he was here, and though he is no longer with us in body, he lives on in heaven and in the hearts and memories of everyone who was blessed by knowing him.
Kyle will never be forgotten, I know I shall never forget him and the lesson his death taught me, tomorrow is never promised to the old or to the young, we must cherish everyday with our loved ones as if it were our last day together because you never know when that last day will be.
And as I close this page I ask that you do a favor for me, thank God for your blessings, and then say a little prayer for the DeLong family, may the Lord give them the strength and fortitude through this darkest hour.

The song is With Arms Wide Open by Creed and was played at Kyle's funeral

 

 

Special thanks to Angela Noble for Kyle's banner