August 2, 2010

The Gateway Gazette The Official Voice of Gateway  Monday, August 2nd 2010. by Ed Ryan 239-225-7376  INNOCENCE SHATTERED         You talk to people every day. You see them on the football field, in the grocery store, walking through church, taking one of your Zumba classes. And then something unthinkable happens and you can’t say a word to them without breaking down to cry. Our hearts ache for the Duda family as they grieve for their young boy who passed away. Their pain, this nightmare, unimaginable.       Karen Duda has been a member of Fort Myers Fitness since November 15th, 2003, the day our facility opened. A gigantic coffee cup in her hand and a smile on her face. Michael, a player in the Gateway Flag Football league, his family always on the sideline, a fixture in our little part of the world. Is it fair to wonder, even question, how life goes on?         Saturday afternoon two of Michael’s friends sent me this e-mail.   “Our names are Allison and Danielle and we are close friends with the Duda family. As we know, we are all mourning the loss of Michael Duda. We saw your add on the Gazette about the kids fishing tournament on August 21 which we strongly believe would be Michael’s 12th birthday. It might be a different date but it’s definitely in the same time frame. We think it will be a good idea to have this tournament in memory of Michael since fishing was one of his favorite hobbies. And since the fishing tournament is for kids 13 and under, we thought that this tournament is a perfect way to remember all the great times Michael has shared on the waters in Gateway. We have a group of teenagers (friends of ours and the Duda family) who are willing to work the tournament and make it a memorable event for the Duda family. Please let us know what you think about this idea and how we can help”.          It’s just incredible how these kids care for each other. When you read what kids at such a young age write and say about a friend they’ve lost you wonder how they see life so clearly. They want to help. They want to do something, anything. It’s clear to everyone what an impact a boy who lived only 12 short years had on so many people. It’s clear to everyone what an impact Karen and Tommy had as parents on such a loved child. Can’t we just hug them and make this go away?        Services for Michael will be held at 11AM Wednesday. Former G.T.L.C. Pastor Kent Lee and current Pastor Kathy Flores will conduct a joint service at Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church which is located at the corners of Gateway Boulevard and Girl Scout across from the main Country Club entrance. Please use the Girl Scout entrance. There will be overflow parking on the fields.    There will be a viewing at Lee Memorial Park on 82 tomorrow night from 6PM to 8PM. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made in honor of Michael to: Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund 11381 Gateway Blvd. Ft. Myers, FL  33913   Please post your comments for the family to read on the Gazette website or on Facebook.      NOTE TO FMF MEMBERS: Fort Myers Fitness will be closed Wednesday from 10:30 to 1:00PM to allow all employees and members to attend the service.