By Eric Smith
FOXSportsOhio.com
December 25, 2010
Columbus left winger Tom Sestito drew upon his own family's experiences while giving a little joy to some of those families that are facing difficult times during the holidays.
Sestito visited the city's Ronald McDonald House on Saturday, handing out Blue Jackets memorabilia and spending time and taking pictures with families there.
"It was kind of a humbling experience," Sestito said after his visit. "To see what these families are going through at this time (of year). It really makes you feel how lucky you are to be OK during Christmas."
Sestito understands that on a deeper level than most because his family dealt with a similar situation when he was young.
"My cousin had leukemia when I was growing up," Sestito said. "It was a scary time, and I remember my family, it was tough around Christmas time. That's always kind of stuck with me."
The Rome, N.Y., native said he knows that even though he took just a little time out of his day, that time could mean a lot to the families he visited.
"Even in Syracuse and Springfield, I liked giving back a little bit," Sestito said of his time in the minor leagues. "You like to get out and know the people that you're playing for. You know it's not much. I definitely like doing that stuff and giving back."
As happens a lot, the person giving often walks away with more than what the person gives. The same can be said about the trip to the Ronald McDonald House for Sestito as he got a lot back from the families. There was one patient that touched his heart just a little more than the others.
"It's something I will never forget," Sestito reflected. "One little girl, her face and expression will always stick in my mind. She went away with a couple more gifts."
The more you get to know the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Sestito, the more you see the dichotomy of his personality. On one hand, you have a player who plays with a ferociousness and physicality that puts fear into the eyes of the competition. On the other hand, behind Sestito's tough outer shell is a reserved, soft-spoken, grounded individual who is grateful for everything that he has.
