Probably the most famous story about Clint comes from Mariel Mellot when she was a young preschooler and Clint was brand new to the neighborhood. Clint, Joe (our youngest son), and a dozen other neighborhood kids had gathered in the playground when a game of kickball was proposed by the head kid of the neighborhood. Clint being large for his age, and only slightly younger than the head kid, was chosen to be a captain, but would get the second pick. THe head kid would pick first. This arrangement ensured that the head kid would be able to pick his side kick, another big kid, and win the game.

Mariel, the youngest and smallest, had been arguing weakly against the proposed matchup, since team captains avoided picking her. She was always picked last and the team that had Mariel got her by default. I don’t know for sure, but head kid had probably already done the math.

After head kid picked his side kick, Clint stunned the rest of the kids with his first pick…Mariel Mellot. From worst to first, she could hardly believe her ears as she edged slowly into view. She had been hiding behind her sister.

“Mariel?” You sure?” asked the head kid. “Yeah” was all Clint said.

Clint never used too many words, but his tone was firm. He knew this act of kindness was more important than the game. Mariel told this story to Clint’s parents, a day or two following Clint’s untimely passing and Father John used the story during the sermon at Clint’s funeral mass. Clint’s Uncle Thad Lacinak delivered the story as part of his eulogy. Clint had attracted a crowd, and many heard Clint’s message of kindness. The neighborhood kids heard the message too. If you are reading this blog we hope you will also hear it.