The Donadoni Academy is bursting with optimism and energy as we head into the Easter season. I can tell. The signs are plainly pointing in the direction of onwards and upwards. The principal senses the excitement when the students and even the animals all seem to be talking at the same time and heading happily into their different directions with friends and extra-curriculars. The Academy will be on a new schedule soon and as the enrollment drops and students go back to their designated typical lives, it will be time to reflect on the past year and lessons learned. But for today, the principal needs to figure out how to go from running a remote learning center to a typical teen and pre-teen center for feeding and sleeping. Wally will surely help keep things regular with his regular nooner deuces and insatiable need for cuddles. And the calm, empty hallways of the Academy will be shined and spring cleaned- or in today’’s parlance “deep cleaned”, but what will really be important is to take stock of the amazing progress that has been made.

Opening days are great for optimism. I mean even the Red Sox like to think they will finish ahead of my beloved Yankees. But- this is real life and we love to look forward to what might happen as excitedly as an adolescent reachers for the nearest screen to see what the newest notification will reveal. And while manifestations of marvelous nuggets of gossip might initially disappoint, the anticipation of notifications and likes and shares can be exhilarating, such a rush! So, as the principal steps into the Opening Day rain today, the optimism that is gushing forward will build an umbrella of protection. And that will be helpful as he takes Wally on his regularly scheduled walks. See, if you assume that things will go well, when the sidewalk abruptly ends without telling you and you stumble- you can recover your footing quickly because you know that it will be fine. You know that for every curb that can catch your toe, there will be a safe place to land.

Sometimes we have to take leaps of faith. Sometimes we have to go forward with confidence, knowing that despite the possibility that puddles and curbs may temporarily pause your journey- you gotta keep your head down and follow through towards your objective.

It’s a good thing that I have this blog. My kids would have been rolling their eyes halfway through the first paragraph if I was trying to share these thoughts at dinner. But for the times that I have been able to make eyes roll over the past year- I am grateful, and hope that as they return to their typical school day routines they remember that they will always be welcome and safe at the Donadoni Academy, ready to cuddle and keep out the rain. Much as Aaron Judge jogs around the bases after hitting a monstrous moonshot, I hope the students know they can always look forward to coming home. Even if the principal is falling off the curb once in awhile. If you know what I mean. That’s why we tell them Thanks for Coming!

Enjoy the Opening Day Easter April Madness of Mania and Excitement. The Principal of the Academy is going to take a personal day and watch the Yankees in peace now. Unless it gets rained out. And that just means he will have to adapt. Again. No worries. Hope springs eternal.