superman7515
October 30th, 2014, 07:55 PM
http://www.delawareonline.com/story/sports/college/ud/2014/10/30/amazing-relationship-binds-delaware-football-player-sister/18193399/
NEWARK – They were the last words Ben Curtis' father spoke to him on the night he would meet a violent, untimely death.The University of Delaware offensive tackle never forgot.
And though the advice was meant for football, it became a guiding principle for a young man in a family reduced from four to three, including a younger sister with severe autism upon whom Curtis has long doted.
"Just go out there and play your hardest," Curtis said, recounting words spoken to him by Benjamin Curtis III on Aug. 11, 2006. "You're going to get beat. Don't be afraid to get beat because the best get beat and they get better from it.''
Ben Curtis, who'll start his 26th straight game at Delaware Stadium Saturday against Rhode Island, is a testament to that counsel.
He is 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, but has managed to stand sturdier and loom larger for himself and his family.
"He lives it," Delaware football coach Dave Brock said when told of the inspiring parting words that have fueled Curtis.
From his studious, bespectacled appearance, Curtis smiles easily and speaks softly and deliberately. He may be among the Blue Hens considered "quiet'' by their coaches. But his words, if not spoken in great quantity, tend to exhibit confidence, perspective and considerable thought.
The source of that may be his interactions with sister Lauren, 16, who has limited verbal ability. She and Ben communicate through some sign language, simple gestures and expressions. Lauren also employs PECS, or picture exchange communication system, which uses cards.
But the two have a unique understanding – and love, Ben said – that probably only they comprehend.
"She knows what I'm thinking," he said. "She knows what I'm saying. She knows when I'm happy, and I can gauge that in her, too.''...
http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/0cd80bb0f3c4110afaf3126d26f100b01a707749/c=0-24-1464-1976&r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/Wilmington/2014/10/30/-102514-udvwm2ndhalf-wb62203.jpg20141029.jpg
NEWARK – They were the last words Ben Curtis' father spoke to him on the night he would meet a violent, untimely death.The University of Delaware offensive tackle never forgot.
And though the advice was meant for football, it became a guiding principle for a young man in a family reduced from four to three, including a younger sister with severe autism upon whom Curtis has long doted.
"Just go out there and play your hardest," Curtis said, recounting words spoken to him by Benjamin Curtis III on Aug. 11, 2006. "You're going to get beat. Don't be afraid to get beat because the best get beat and they get better from it.''
Ben Curtis, who'll start his 26th straight game at Delaware Stadium Saturday against Rhode Island, is a testament to that counsel.
He is 6-foot-5 and 290 pounds, but has managed to stand sturdier and loom larger for himself and his family.
"He lives it," Delaware football coach Dave Brock said when told of the inspiring parting words that have fueled Curtis.
From his studious, bespectacled appearance, Curtis smiles easily and speaks softly and deliberately. He may be among the Blue Hens considered "quiet'' by their coaches. But his words, if not spoken in great quantity, tend to exhibit confidence, perspective and considerable thought.
The source of that may be his interactions with sister Lauren, 16, who has limited verbal ability. She and Ben communicate through some sign language, simple gestures and expressions. Lauren also employs PECS, or picture exchange communication system, which uses cards.
But the two have a unique understanding – and love, Ben said – that probably only they comprehend.
"She knows what I'm thinking," he said. "She knows what I'm saying. She knows when I'm happy, and I can gauge that in her, too.''...
http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/0cd80bb0f3c4110afaf3126d26f100b01a707749/c=0-24-1464-1976&r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/Wilmington/2014/10/30/-102514-udvwm2ndhalf-wb62203.jpg20141029.jpg