This post is intended primarily for the newer teams, because most of the veterans already know. You have not only joined a robotic competition, you will discover that you are becoming a member of a very large and wonderful family. The more years that you participate, the larger your FIRST family will become.
During my recent loss of Marcy, my life partner, I received numerous messages from all over the world. Many of my FIRST family traveled long distances to pay their respects. One group drove for about ten hours just to be able to spend a few minutes with us. Absolutely amazing!
I can not thank all you family members enough for your support during this sad time.
Although I do not know you other then you prediction posts I am saddened to hear of you great loss and offer my condolences and any support that I can.
Mr. Beatty you have inspired us young kids for many years. I am glad that the FIRST family which you have helped build may now inspire you during these sad days. I am sorry to hear about your loss.
Mr. Bill, you are an inspiration to all of us mentors who have met you. People like you are what make this family strong. I am very sorry for your loss.
I sure wasn’t hoping to read this today when I got on chiefdelphi… it’s hurts a lot to lose someone close. I am very sorry to hear about your loss.
Mr. Beatty, you have been my inspiration since my sophomore year in high school. It was a pleasure to meet you at almost every midwest competitions/championship I went to and thank you for the time you took out of yours to talk to me. I can’t wait to see you again.
Bill, how right you are, FIRST IS a family. We argue, debate, sometimes hate each other, sometimes show our love for each other, and ALWAYS are there for each other when it’s needed.
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
It really hurts to lose someone. But what helps someone get over the pain of losing someone comes from t he love one feels from a loved one. I have said it so many times to my own team. “Your all part of my family, I can really feel the love.” I hope you can feel our love.
My heart goes out to you and my thoughts are with you. I believe that loving is one of the most difficult things a person can do because of the reality of loss. But we, the FIRST family, love you. We are here to support you, because you have given so much to us. I liked what Jacob said - that the pain of loss is best comforted by the love of family. I hope that we can do this for you, and that, like Jacob said, you can “feel our love”.