03/13/2022
Dear Coach K,
I've never met you, though you've walked past me many times on a stretch of beach called Pine Knoll Shores. I didn't want to bother you, but wish I had known about your gift to Steve Mitchell. His departure from this earth has offered the story of a life well-lived. He was the man who sat behind you in Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium for 37 years.
He did a lot in his sixty plus years. He was born with Down syndrome and his family shrugged off the doctors and took him right home. He was integrated in an era that made his parents ground breakers; school or church, Steve was there. I am a special needs mama too and their forging a path has benefited so many. You called Steve "a good friend who had some challenges." What a gift of inclusive language.
The story goes that in 1980 the only thing Steve Mitchell wanted for Christmas was a Duke Men's Basketball ticket, not an easy score, but Steve's brother had a construction company and was hired to renovate the new coach’s, Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski, house. He asked you how one might find a ticket to buy and explained his brother’s Christmas wish.
“He can sit behind me,” you said. Did you know how life changing that gift would be?
The following season, Steve wrote you a letter saying, “Coach, I know we’re going to have another great year. I was hoping that I could sit near you again.” You said yes to a family that may have heard no far more often. He wrote you a letter every year for 37 years and though he left this earth five years ago, I imagine he’s cheering you along tonight for a final win.
He loved nothing more than heading to will call and collecting the ticket for one Steve Mitchell. He would make his way to his seat behind you (with the help of his favorite usher, Fran), a tradition that was life changing for his self-confidence, said his family. You shook his hand before every game.
Thank you, Coach K.
Mamas of special needs kids know that kindness extends far beyond team affiliation and we know that our team is the best of all and as for Steve?
Godspeed, my friend and thank you.
Coach K, your legacy on AND off the court will be remembered.
Love,
Adrian (Amos's mom)
