ESPN host Tony Reali returned to work on Monday, doing his usual job of hosting “Around the Horn.” Reali is the moderator of various discussions on topics with four sports journalists.
But this Monday was a little different. It was the first day of work for Reali since experiencing the amazing blessing of bringing home one child, and the incredible torment of losing another.
In an Instagram post that Reali shared on Father’s Day, he revealed that he and his wife, Samiya, were expecting twin sons. In the days leading up to the birth of their boys, one of them, Amadeo, had died. The other child, Enzo, was born early in an emergency delivery but is now home and doing well.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkIerJVAKHp/?taken-by=tonyreali
After Reali’s Instagram post on Sunday, he was back at work on Monday and given the floor at the end of his show to share an emotional monologue on parenthood and the grief from losing a child.
Today we welcomed @tonyreali back to the show! In FaceTime he shared his feelings about his recent loss, his recent addition, and how he's getting through it all. pic.twitter.com/myaoby0kzO
— Around the Horn (@AroundtheHorn) June 18, 2018
“Grief is part of humanity,” Reali said. “Grief is proof of humanity. Parents dealing with loss or anybody dealing with loss, meet yourself where you are. Give voice to your feelings. Young men, young women watching, this can be how you grieve. Don’t bury your heart — keep it on the outside and look to other people. Because humanity can lift us. That has been my experience.”
Reali went on to reveal the name of his son who died was Amadeo, which means God’s love.
“Amadeo, I’ll love you forever. You’re named for God’s love. May we all be craving it. May we all be giving it to each other. May we all be compassionate enough to give it to all.”
The name Amadeo means God’s Love.
May we all be open to seeing it in ourselves, may we be strong enough to receive it from others, compassionate enough to give it to others, and courageous enough to demand it from others.
— Tony Reali (@TonyReali) June 17, 2018
Join us in praying for the Reali family as they grieve the loss of their son Amadeo.
“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
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