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English writer William Hazlitt once said, “A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles.” In other words, Hazlitt reminds us to enjoy the little things in life because while they often go unnoticed, they tend to be the most important. Just ask Nick Bell (aka Big Nick), senior at North Pocono High School or Nick Giordano (aka Little Nick), first grade student at Jefferson Elementary Center.
The son of Rick and Becky Giordano of Jefferson Twp., Giordano began playing his first year of football on the North Pocono Junior Trojans “D” team. As a running back and linebacker, he said his favorite part of football is tackling. After his coach recommended the team to attend high school games to watch those players in order to familiarize themselves with their positions, his eyes became fixated on a number that was all too familiar to him — #23.
After attending several games, Giordano soon discovered that #23 — which was also his number in Junior Trojans — was Nick Bell, the son of Paula and Mark Bell of Madison Twp. In addition to sharing the same number, Giordano realized they shared the same first name, played the same position, and both had blonde hair and blue eyes. As a result, Bell quickly became his favorite football player.
On Junior Trojan Day, which was held the night of the West Scranton game, the young players were invited to stand in the endzone during the Trojans pregame warm-ups. At the end of the game following the loss, Giordano began looking for Bell. Once he found him he said, “Nick looked sad so I went home and made him a Nick Bell book.” The book contained drawings by Giordano, along with some words of encouragement.
Bell, who had still not met Giordano at this point, was so moved by the book that he made sure to introduce himself at the next game. This was the beginning of a very special friendship.
As water boy for the football team growing up, Bell can relate to Giordano because he, too, remembers enjoying watching the older players. He said, “It means a lot to me to take someone like Nick underneath my wing. Not only can he learn from my mistakes, but I can also learn from him at the same time. I learn to be a better person because of him.”
These two individuals are truly an inspiration for one another. Even with plans for college right around the corner, Bell said, “We’ll always stay in touch no matter what.”
“Thank God for little miracles, right?” -- Michael Bergin
English writer William Hazlitt once said, “A gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles.” In other words, Hazlitt reminds us to enjoy the little things in life because while they often go unnoticed, they tend to be the most important. Just ask Nick Bell (aka Big Nick), senior at North Pocono High School or Nick Giordano (aka Little Nick), first grade student at Jefferson Elementary Center.
The son of Rick and Becky Giordano of Jefferson Twp., Giordano began playing his first year of football on the North Pocono Junior Trojans “D” team. As a running back and linebacker, he said his favorite part of football is tackling. After his coach recommended the team to attend high school games to watch those players in order to familiarize themselves with their positions, his eyes became fixated on a number that was all too familiar to him — #23.
After attending several games, Giordano soon discovered that #23 — which was also his number in Junior Trojans — was Nick Bell, the son of Paula and Mark Bell of Madison Twp. In addition to sharing the same number, Giordano realized they shared the same first name, played the same position, and both had blonde hair and blue eyes. As a result, Bell quickly became his favorite football player.
On Junior Trojan Day, which was held the night of the West Scranton game, the young players were invited to stand in the endzone during the Trojans pregame warm-ups. At the end of the game following the loss, Giordano began looking for Bell. Once he found him he said, “Nick looked sad so I went home and made him a Nick Bell book.” The book contained drawings by Giordano, along with some words of encouragement.
Bell, who had still not met Giordano at this point, was so moved by the book that he made sure to introduce himself at the next game. This was the beginning of a very special friendship.
As water boy for the football team growing up, Bell can relate to Giordano because he, too, remembers enjoying watching the older players. He said, “It means a lot to me to take someone like Nick underneath my wing. Not only can he learn from my mistakes, but I can also learn from him at the same time. I learn to be a better person because of him.”
These two individuals are truly an inspiration for one another. Even with plans for college right around the corner, Bell said, “We’ll always stay in touch no matter what.”
“Thank God for little miracles, right?” -- Michael Bergin
Below is a submitted tribute to Nick Bell and Nick Giordano...
Number 23
Once upon a time there was a talented football player who played for the North Pocono Trojans. One day as he was walking to the locker room, he looked at the fans and noticed a little boy with his hand held out to give him “five.”
The talented football player graciously extended his hand to give him “five” back. Little did he know of the smile he brought to the little boy’s face. As it turned out that talented football player became a mentor, a hero, a star in that little boy’s eyes.
That little boy watched him week after week, emulating and admiring the talented football player’s every move, play, and action. Finally the day came that he met his hero. “This was the best day of school ever!” the little boy shouted in excitement.
That talented football player made a difference in a little boy’s life by playing what he loved to play, by reaching out and giving him “five”, by making the little boy feel important and special, by giving him hope that he too can become a talented football player, like his very own special NUMBER 23.
