THE ESSENCE OF A WARRIOR

By Andy Knipe PALS and pal of Rob Senecal

On July 2, 2003, Rob Senecal's battle with ALS came to an end. While he didn't win the battle, he certainly did not lose. You see, this was a man who lived with pride and dignity.

Rob Senecal was a warrior. Committed to fighting the good fight, he boldly looked at his life threatening illness in the face and fought hard like a bare knuckle prize fighter. Rob battled each and every round of ALS determined to go the distance.

I had the privilege, no matter how short, to see this "Gentleman Jim Corbet" throwback of a man in action. Rob, accompanied by his beautiful wife MaryRose, took part in this year's Ride For Life: Montauk to Manhattan fundraising event. I was overwhelmed by his incredible determination. His exterior looked fragile but the interior held a heart the way a 57 Chevy holds a big block engine. Smiling through Montauk, his engine purred. After all, he was happy to ride with other ALS patients and their families on that glorious Saturday morning. His inability to speak beyond a gentle moan did not sway his confidence from holding a meaningful conversation with me. That was why he was a warrior. That is why I will miss him.

As the ride continued, Rob needed rest. It was understandable too, that so did Mary Rose. She, afterall was the pistons in Rob's engine. She guided Rob's powerchair up hill and down, mile after mile.

When they took a day off, there were Rob's parents walking because their son could not. I talked to Mrs. Senecal as we made our way through Shinnecock and I understood her sadness and frustration. As frustrated as I was over my own inaudible voice, we shared our thoughts on care-taking and how hard it is on family. She huffed and puffed, gravel beneath her soles and beared her soul. Her beautiful mixture of Georgian drawl and Long Island slang painted a painterly picture for me of Rob. From a loving son who worked for Mike Bloomberg to a genuine husband and daddy. I learned quickly about this man and I liked everything I heard.

On a particular cold and blustery May evening, Rob Senecal and family shared hotdogs, laughter, and ALS insite with me and my family at a Long Island Ducks game. Our sons loved it. They giggled in between fists full of popcorn as wife, Laura and Mary Rose kept Rob and I dry from the rain. I knew then the kind of father and husband Rob was and I wanted to be his friend. About the only thing we didnt have in common was our brands of baseball. He the Met fan, me the Yanks.

It's hard for me to see another ALS patient and friend fall victim to this illness. I realize more each day that it's a fate that someday awaits me. But I take comfort in knowing that the souls of Rob and Michael Beier will be there to greet me and for that I am grateful. On Monday, I saw Rob's dad at the Ride for Life Golf outting. Mr.Senecal was there representing his son. I saw the pain in his eyes while he spoke about Rob's condition. I too saw the face of a proud parent. The father of a warrior.

We as a society embrace pro athletisism because they inspire us. They allow us to experience joy and to hope for greatness. We call them our heroes. Sometimes even warriors. The Lou Gehrigs', Muhmmad Alis', Mark Messiers', Paul O'Neil's of the world. But perhaps the very things that imbody these people, we have inside all of us. Rob had everyone of those qualities that make you special. The One who is more than willing to fight one more round.

The warrior that was Rob Senecal.

God bless you sir.

If you'd like to remember Rob Senecal, the family has requested that a donation be sent to Ride for Life:

Ride for Life
18 Grandview Blvd.
Miller Place, NY 11764