By ROBERT HOUGHTALING On a winter's day in 1983, Todd Morsilli was killed when a vehicle driven by an intoxicated East Greenwich High School student callously barreled down the road, erasing a life along the way. This event hurt families, challenged laws
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On a winter’s day in 1983, Todd Morsilli was killed when a vehicle driven by an intoxicated East Greenwich High School student callously barreled down the road, erasing a life along the way. This event hurt families, challenged laws and forced a community to address issues pertaining to substance abuse. While the young boy, with the broad grin and goofy hat, never got to experience a full lifetime, the impact of his time on earth continues.
For many, Todd Morsilli was a tennis star who was tragically taken away. For his family, he was a loving son and brother. For me, he is a young boy whose life continues to matter. There are tennis courts named after him. A number of alcohol/drug prevention initiatives were established in his honor. And last, but not least, he is a huge reason my job exists.
I wrote the poem, “Topspin and Backhands,” to honor Todd’s memory. I also wrote it for the Morsilli family and all those who have lost a loved one due to an incident involving impaired driving. Thank you for your consideration. Thank you for not driving while under the influence. Your decisions have consequences. Topspin and Backhands The chilly banks of February
Adorned the local streets
Two boys joined in laughter
Enjoying vacations treat Soon the sky would darken
When traveling down the lane
Many foot-pounds of metal
Would cause heartfelt pain A cap and boyish grin
Followed him on the court
Topspin and backhands
He excelled at the sport Thoughts are little substitute
For a loving embrace
Still, somehow, a grieving family
Found courage to offer grace And in the young man’s memory
They kept his spirit alive
By beseeching all who’d listen
Not to drink and drive A cap and boyish grin
Followed him on the court
Topspin and backhands
He excelled at the sport The passing of yesterday
Fails to conceal
All of those recollections
A loving family feels For a life cannot be measured
Simply by its length
But more so for such qualities
Like honor, caring and strength A cap and boyish grin
Followed him on the court
Topspin and backhands
He excelled at the sport Angels have yet to beat him
On grass or on clay
The boy with the impish smile
Still has much to say Do not fear my family
Do not fear my friends
Through your loving efforts
My legacy never ends A cap and boyish grin
Followed him on the court
Topspin and backhands
He was a special sort
Robert Houghtaling is the director of the East Greenwich Drug Program.
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