Some things there really aren't words for. The best reporters can separate themselves and observe what is going on and seemingly just document without feeling. But what what this reporter saw is not observably documentable without shedding a tear. Less than 48 hours earlier, a mother of a young baseball player died. The reports of how are horrifying and tragic. |
But his coach got a message from him asking if it was ok if he came play on Friday when they faced a Pleasantville team.
D'Mellow Jones' mom was reportedly murdered Wednesday, but he still wanted to be with his team and play baseball on Friday.
Friday night, the Oil City little league association gathered on the field up on Hasson Heights to support one of their own and honor the memory of April Dunkle, D'Mellow's mom.
They launched several balloons as they observed a moment of silence and reflection before the game. The team circled the pitchers mound and friends and family of Jones were invited to join. The teams who were slated to play on the other two fields at Hasson lined up to honor Dunkle and support Jones. A community fumbles to find ways to cope with the inexplainable. So they released some balloons, delved deep into their thoughts together and set up a means to collect funds to help a grieving family with expenses. They passed the hat around the three fields in the park. Gardinier-Warren Funeral Home set up a means for people to contribute and the little league association too is ready to help. League coordinator Paul Myers said donations can be made at games at Hasson or by contacting the funeral home at 1315 Chestnut Street, Franklin, Pa. 16323. It's impossible to know what was going through everyone's mind. It's even more impossible knowing what young D'Mellow and his family are going through. |