Joel Alexander Ostola, the second of four children, with an older sister, and two younger brothers, all close enough in age to share in most things, (including those sibling fights!); Yet, you couldn’t help but like him, he knew how to make a friend. In fact, Joel was a great friend. Why? Maybe because he was from a large, extended family that shared a lot, or maybe because he had lived in four different states by the age of 16, and as a result, new experiences, like meeting new people, were not uncomfortable events. He looked people straight in the eye, with a sparkle in his, accompanied by that smile. Where did friendships most often develop? Sports, of course. Soccer (his love), which he started playing in grade school in Oregon, to playing in Dubuque for Hempstead and ‘Jacks’ Club team; Wrestling, where his camaraderie and stubbornness flourished; and Cross Country Running, (which he did not love!) were persistence, patience, satisfaction, and frustration were all experienced. More often than not, as his parents, we were proud to see how mature he had become, (yes the occasional temper tantrum would surface), but more and more, he seemed well beyond the tender age of 16. He volunteered his time to coach soccer to younger kids, which fit him like a glove, and quite unlike his parents, (who have on occasion been quite volatile at a game or two!), his knowledge of the game of soccer, and confidence in how the game should be played, allowed him to referee in a controlled, mature manner. Joel was a people person his friends were young and old. He was as likely to be holding a baby in his lap, as having a discussion with his great-grandmother. These positive relationships with another living being carried over to our pets as well, he had a special touch with them; no other animal will ever again be as cared for in our household! His goals/dreams? One was to play soccer for Duke, but mostly, he lived for the day; and though his grades were not ‘Duke’ grades, he enjoyed school; he even seemed to enjoy waking up to go to school!! It had to be his friendships. Friends that included students he only just met, to those we now know as ‘family’. A sensitive boy, (young man), who could be hard-nosed (which he broke at least once). He could rock the baby to sleep, or slide tackle in the box. He was good at both. Qualities respected in a friend, were qualities evident in Joel: sensitivity, resolve, sincerity, toughness, forgiveness, gentleness, faithfulness, flexibility, and (sometimes less appreciated) stubbornness. You would have seen these qualities whether you knew Joel from school, competition, or community. His greatest accomplishments may not have been in the form of awards or grades, but in establishing strong, lasting friendships. A friend forever. Joel Alexander Ostola.
Written by Joel’s mom
