Since hearing the news about the Evan and Damian McManus’s disappearance, I’ve watched past films of Park soccer games to look back on my time spent with them. After the first few goals I noticed a small but significant detail during the celebrations. Everyone jogs to the scorer to celebrate, except Evan. He sprints into the frame and is the first one to hug the scorer. Hugging, high fiving and congratulating.

It was never flashy, it was apparent he cared to support his team and his love for his biggest fans. I admired his way of celebrating life, soccer and friendship.

This demonstrates his understanding of the basics of celebrating. He showed how to celebrate with those around you who have achieved success. Yet, when he earned a reason to celebrate he made sure to thank everyone around him with hugs and high fives.

I learned from Evan when I celebrate, I should thank my teammates and supporters afterward,  because they played an integral part in reaching this celebratory moment.

Unfortunately these celebrations can be cut short because of the absence of a teammate or supporter.

When one member is missing for injuries or other conflicts it is noticed in everything before, during and after the game. I look to thank everyone, but not everyone is there. I even notice when a consistent fan is missing, and there’s a gap in the bleachers. There are fewer hands up for a high five, fewer hugs and fewer cheers.

This is a sensation felt by those close to the McManus’. A teammate and friend whose presence is not forgotten, and a parent fan whose energy for soccer is unmatched. As I have worked through my feelings about this situation, I’ve begun to appreciate everyone around me in the hardest times, just like Evan did for me.

Even in failure Evan thanked those around him for their work and support. After the soccer team lost our section game and the end of our high school soccer career hit us, Evan came up to me and thanked me for being a great captain.

In a moment when everyone is thinking about how they feel, Evan thought of comforting others. Through thanking supporters, Evan showed defeat can be another time to recognize others.

As I finish up this stage of my life I will celebrate. I’ll go through my routine of thanking and hugging all those who contributed to my Park experience. I’ll thank those who have always supported me. And it will hurt to realize there are people I will be unable to hug and thank.

What I’ve learned from this experience is when celebrating make sure to take the time to do it with people you care about and who care about you. From this tragic turn of events, I’ve learned to celebrate those in my life, and  to thank those people who are always there in our thoughts and memories and who have been a part of your life accomplishments.