How Bobby Valentine helped my son after 9/11
Until the tragedy 20 years ago, my son and I were residents of Stamford. Shawn lost his dad on that day, I lost Rick, good friends, and many of my people as both Rick and I both worked at Aon.
It was pure fate that I was in my Greenwich office and not one at the World Trade Center. I am happy about that because Shawn would have been alone and I could not have been able to help him and help with recovery efforts. It still haunts me.
It was a trying time, and although so many people pulled together, it was a very tough time for Shawn. Throughout this nightmare, there was one person who was by Shawn’s side giving him support, humor, and kindness. That person was Bobby Valentine.
Bobby stepped in and with no fanfare, helped Shawn — taking him to be a batboy for the Mets, playing catch with him, and being a constant guide to a very confused 15 year old. Bobby just helped — from his heart and with typical humanity — and despite some pressures from the Mets’ upper offices.
Bobby — and many of his players — were incredible to Shawn. We relocated to Ohio to be close to family, and Bobby kept in touch. When the Mets traveled to Cincinnati, Bobby met Shawn and some new friends at the stadium and had him serve as batboy again. He and the team were amazing.
Unselfishly, positively, Bobby helped my son in ways that are impossible to describe.
I just read that Bobby is running for mayor of Stamford. People need to know that if Bobby says he is going to do something, he will — with kindness and compassion. What a great boon for Stamford — one of the greatest personalities and leaders in any sport offering his time to work for the people in this great city? I miss Stamford, and I wish I could be there to watch and help out.
Take the opportunity, please! You will never regret having this man represent and you will be amazed when you see what he does for Stamford. He will be a lightning rod for business and will help the educators improve beyond any expectations. You will be proud of him.
And thank you, Bobby. Thanks for being you and thanks for helping us so much. It still isn’t easy — but without you, it wouldn’t have been possible.
Former Stamford resident Tracey A. Carragher lives in St. Charles, Ill.