By Ed Farrell

Herald Assistant Sports Editor

RECENT DAYS have served as a reminder of how precious life is. Also, of its fragility and of lost opportunities. And as is often the case in such situations, regret.

Watching kids compete in athletics can be so enjoyable, but watching your kids receive their college diploma transcends most of life’s experiences, at least from a parent’s perspective. Twenty-plus years of your life flash through your mind and heart, a tidal wave of a myriad of emotions.

From a sportswriter’s limited scope, though, an occasional conversation “while lending some insight into a student-athlete’s personality — also leaves to the imagination who really is inside the uniform. Do we really know these kids heralded for their athletic ability?

Lee Michael Shimshock was such a talented teen-ager. Football, basketball, baseball — even roller-hockey, much to the chagrin of his former high school football coach, Mike Donato. However I knew him from only one vantage point, and while admiring his athleticism from afar, never actually met or spoke with him.

That was my mistake, and sadly, my loss, for recent revelations have enlightened me as to what a great kid he was, and that athletics were only one facet of his personality. I’ve learned how loved he was — not only by family, childhood friends and teammates and coaches — but by opposing players of all races and religions. While he orchestrated, others orbited around this boy, who, from every indication, was the shining star. His home was everyone’s hang-out, his ideas set in motion fun for everyone in which no one was left on the outside looking in. He seemed to sense someone’s heart before judging them, a trait lacking in most of us.

The 2nd annual Lee Michael Shimshock Memorial Fund scholarship dinner is Saturday night at The Corinthian. Approximately $18,000 was raised in last year’s inaugural event and 3 scholarships awarded. The outpouring was — and hopefully will continue to be — a tribute to the memory of someone blessed with the capacity to love others more than himself.

Today, saddened by his loss, but emboldened by his spirit after having learned more of him since his death approximately 15 months ago, I’m reminded of a favorite song, “Nature Boy,” performed by Nat “King” Cole in 1948 on Capitol Records (lyrics and melody by Eden Ahbez):

There was a boy, a strange, enchanted boy.

They say he wandered very far, very far over land and sea.

A litte shy ... and sad of eye ... but very wise, was he.