Long time absentee Luke Shaw finally returned to action for Manchester United over the weekend. It was a glorious moment for both Shaw as an individual and United as a team. The Left Back has been through a lot these past couple years, suffering numerous significant injuries, and one extremely serious leg injury.
It’s fair to say that he’s encountered a lot of adversity in his playing career lately. However, the sports definition of adversity, in the rare occurrences that the term is actually used correctly by athletes and sports media, is still minute when compared to real life, genuine adversity.
One couple, profiled in the Irish Independent, know what true adversity really is. Here’s an excerpt from FOX Soccer:
Steve de Korte and his fiancée, Sarah, had a baby girl named Ava last year who was born 17 weeks premature. After a six-week battle, Ava sadly passed away and de Korte’s brother reached out to Man United soliciting help to lift the couple’s spirits.
The couple from Tipperary, Ireland had a baby boy 11 weeks ago that they named Luke, a name he just so happens to share with Shaw. The United defender surprised the couple with a personal letter to congratulate them on Luke’s birth, as well as honor the memory of their daughter.
Steve de Korte Tweeted out a photo of Luke Shaw’s letter today.
Have a look:
@LukeShaw23 thanks so much for your awesome letter , you are an absolute legend m8 #Lukeisared @FullTimeDEVILS ????? pic.twitter.com/dBp0f0ZYya
— Steve (@Willstev) July 15, 2016
The text of the Luke Shaw letter reads:
“Dear Sarah and Steve. I just wanted to drop you a line to congratulate you on the birth of Luke Robert.
“The last year or so has obviously been very difficult for you both after the sad passing of Ava. I have no doubt that you will ensure Ava’s memory will live on and you will always remember the short time you spent together with your wonderful daughter.
“A big welcome to Luke, who I am sure has given you lots of strength and focus at this time. I am pleased to see that he is already wearing the colours of his favourite team.”
And here’s a photo Steve Tweeted out of little Luke de Korte
little Luke ??? pic.twitter.com/BvIm74kOrb
— Steve (@Willstev) May 31, 2016
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication.
He also consistently appears on numerous talk shows all across the country. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram