Thank You For Being My Biggest Fan

Dear Gary (Mario) Kaprielian,

Dang, this one hurts. Maybe it's because you were in my heart as of late. It pains me even more, knowing that I never sat you down as a young man to tell you how much you have impacted my life and how much you mean to me. As I grieve over the news, I only say, Thank you.

Having been raised in a broken home, I struggled mightily to process the pain of divorce while I was a freshman in high school. I was ill-equipped, immature, and didn't know how to process the pain I was experiencing. I didn't have the resources to help me emotionally process during these times.

As previously mentioned, with Mac's tribute, sadly, I projected the pain I was experiencing at home unto others. Hell, I was punk and demanding to be around. There were events within Boy Scouts (for which I take full responsibility) that should have led me to get kicked out of the troop.

However, like Mac, you stood by my side. You saw the light in a young, immature 14-year-old boy surrounded by pain. You knew my home dynamics. More importantly, you believed in me when I didn't believe in myself and others didn't as well (I don't blame them). You were the first individual to show me what undeserved grace looks like.

I have become so passionate about mentoring and serving others because of individuals like yourself. If it weren't for the undeserved grace you showed me and the second chance you gave me, I would never have served with children in juvenile hall during college or currently serve with children in the inner cities of Atlanta, Georgia. Your love, care, and support for me are why I have become an advocate for these communities. If I was given a second chance, then so should everyone.

It wasn't just this instance; we shared a love for baseball. You selflessly spent hours per week for years helping me improve my craft. Whether it was pitching to me until your arm fell off or catching my pitches until your knees buckled, you showed/taught me the discipline needed to be successful in anything.

Furthermore, one of my highlights while playing baseball was when you finally got to coach me in high school. I will never forget the game I accidentally got you in trouble with other coaches because you let me throw 127 pitches against a rival due to my refusal to come out of a game. You had unwavering confidence in me on the mound, knew I was a workhouse, and believed I would only get stronger as the game progressed.

So Gary, thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for sticking up for me. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for seeing the good in me during such a dark period. Thank you for showing me what undeserved grace looks like. Thank you for showing me what it means to be selfless. Thank you for being my biggest fan. And thank you for being a role model in my life.

Your passion for Boy Scouts, mentoring, the outdoors, others, and baseball lives with me. I wouldn't be half the man I am today if it wasn't for you. You have drastically changed the trajectory of my life without knowing it, and I wish I had the opportunity to tell you this in person. Your impact and legacy live on with me and I miss you dearly. Until I see you again.

Love,

Nathaniel Armen (Eagle Scout #375)