IT STARTS WITH JUST ONE STARFISH. Remembering Kevin Mulhere 20 Years Later
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IT STARTS WITH JUST ONE STARFISH.
Remembering Kevin Mulhere 20 Years Later.
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If we had a program like CYS, we would have had the resources to help our son through his challenges.
How Kevin’s Story Became Our Story.
Often times it takes tragedy to give birth to something wonderful. It was 20 years ago, when the loss of a vibrant young man brought Flo and Gil to help launch California Youth Services, and the impact they have had has truly been “life saving”.
On February 2, 2003, we lost Kevin Mulhere. Kevin was known to be the best friend anyone could ever have. He gave the best bear hugs and kisses and would never say goodbye without saying I love you. Kevin’s greatest treasure was his big brother, Tim. Their brotherly love had no boundaries.
Kevin enjoyed wrestling since the second grade and proudly displayed the many trophies and medals he earned. He was very loyal to his friends and always helped the underdog.
Kevin’s passing led Flo and Gil to California Youth Services where they started talking to youth about the negative effects their choices can have. Their speaking led to helping CYS create school-based programs for struggling children and teens. Flo says that Kevin’s death has had an impact in a very positive way. Her and Gil have been able to channel their grief by helping others, and seeing the success of CYS on teens and families has helped with the healing process.
Over the past 20 years, Flo has seen the accessibility and danger of drugs and alcohol increase. She wishes that she can help every teen in Orange County, but also understands that life-saving change can only be accomplished one child at a time. To remind her of this, Flo reflects on Loren Eiseley “Making a Difference” story.
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Once upon a time, there was an old man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach every morning before he began his work. Early one morning, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions.
Off in the distance, the old man noticed a small boy approaching. As the boy walked, he paused every so often and as he grew closer, the man could see that he was occasionally bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea. The boy came closer still and the man called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young boy paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea by themselves,” the youth replied. “When the sun gets high, they will die, unless I throw them back into thewater.”
The old man replied, “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.”
The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!”
Kevin will always be the one starfish that has helped thousands of others over the past 20 years. California Youth Services remembers Kevin today, and always.
If you feel your child needs help, don’t wait. Contact us today.
