The rapid machine gun bleating sound of the cross walk signal telling Wally and Willy on their march to marvelousness – is that a word? – that it was time to go cross the street was blaring. Loudly. So, naturally we kept moving. And moving. And we found our stride.

Have you ever been on a walk in the heat and humidity…or should I say through the heat and humidity because what you are really doing is laboring to push the heavy wet moist air out of your way with each step you take. And your shirt is stuck to your chest with sweat. And you are climbing uphill…both ways. And you can’t see the tree branches that might hit you in the face as you walk quickly over the cracked and broken sidewalks and giant tree roots that threaten to trip you up. You definitely know when the tree branches are there because they always hit the same snot spot the baseball did a couple of weeks ago…But you have faith so you keep walking. You know the end will come. There will be water and light. And maybe a new bed to sleep in. If you are extremely lucky after a long hot walk, you can find an ice cold seltzer water on a table next to a chair facing a television with the Yankees on. And the Yankees might even be winning. But I digress. It might be time to buy a lottery ticket as my buddy suggested today. Because my long, hot walk through the fire has landed me back in the cool ocean where I love swimming with the sharks I crave to save. Wow. I think the heat is getting to me too. But I am thankful for the people who have helped me keep rowing. Er, walking the dog. I mean racing the dog. Back to the story.

As Wally and I started walking across the street, I glanced over my shoulder and noticed that a couple was walking a nice little dog about Wally’s size on the other side of the street. I immediately started my “soothing” “dog whisperer” doggy football coach talk, “C’mon Wally, don’t let that dog beat you down the street. Have some pride. Keep moving. We are in a race. And we always have to keep moving to get where we need to be!”

Wally understood. So he put his head down. Ears up. And we strolled at a fast gait until we reached our castle‘ s gate. “Wally, we won. We won the race. Because we kept the faith. We kept our heads down and followed through enough times to succeed. And we did the next best right thing. And look at us now buddy. We are sitting on the top of Mount Happiness with a first place trophy on the mantle from the Dog Race Down River St. We have a wet shirt. But hey, the victory is sweeter after sweat, right? In fact, we have had our share of blood, sweat, and tears. And we know that the sun will always rise- so today, after our “race” down River St. I smiled and shared. And thanked some people along the way.

The moral of the story is that as you run your marathon of life, keep walking that dog. Traffic is coming. And it will always be hard and hot and sweaty outside. But, when we wait, do the right things, and treat people the right way, doors open, gates open, pools open, and even Wally gets to sleep in a new bed. Which he doesn’t really need because he sleeps with the King and Queen of this castle on their bed. As if he does all the work. Maybe he does. Or maybe a higher power does? Or the Jedi Force? Or God? Whoever or is it whomever you credit for your glory…make sure to keep the feeling of gratitude. It pulls you through. Even if all you have to be thankful for is 3 hots and a cot. Just be thankful. You will get what you need. And then, when the time is right- you know the Greeks had two words for time…you may reap the rewards to thrive and not merely survive.

Seems like the students at the Academy are getting the hang of things too. I know they appreciate the support they have from the universe. They might be the only ones I can think of that are luckier than me right now! Besides the Real Boss- who by the way has found her head slowly stop spinning as she assumes her new role as the Principal of the Academy…letting me get back to my real work as the Assistant Principal I am cut out to be.

Thanks for Coming!