HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my wombmate. No, that was not a typo. She has known me longer than even the original Mr. and Mrs. Donadoni the OG’s. AKA the original generation. They were founded in 1970, and established an amazing union that brought about the Twins and baby Joey. But they still haven’t known me as long as she has. Trust me. And very few people on the planet are as close to me as she is. She gives me solid advice, like stop talking. In fact, to all the other people who think I talk too much…call her (or the Real Boss) and have them tell me. I listen to them. I wanted to listen to the OG’s- but it did not always come naturally to me. Please show my sister mercy because she has dealt with my issues forever. Literally. And she loves to remind the Real Boss when I am talking and acting crazy that she had a choice…and she did not. Whatever, I feel lucky to have both.

“Awww Bill, you are so sweet”. Yes, I know. My mother always said I was sweet and cocky. I call it confident. See- it’s all perspective. It is also true that my sister and wife both majored in psychology so I will let you come to your own conclusions. I guess they needed to have a good foundation to deal with Confident and Excitable and Risk Taker, yours truly.

Here’s a story to illustrate how my sister saved my life. We were probably 3 or 4 when I absolutely NEEDED to climb to the top of my dresser. I have always wanted to be on the top of the heap, king of the hill. And sometimes I am. Sometimes I am not. I had to learn caution and learn how to control Free Bill. I mean my free will. I mean even though my name is Will I am. I have often struggled to control this will of Bill. On this particular morning our dearest mother was taking a much needed break of a shower while the twins played quietly and baby Joey took a nap. Unfortunately for my mother I never learned how to sleep at the appropriate hour. Still haven’t. So, what happens when a toddler climbs a dresser? Anyway- my sister immediately recognized my reckless behavior (she still does) and ran screaming down the hall to mom. Just in time. As my mother raced into the room, and I was on my way up the drawers she was able to (wrapped in a towel I hope) restore order and keep Li’l Bill from falling to catastrophe under my dresser. So thanks sis. I am sure the world is grateful. Most of the time. In all seriousness (hard for me I know) that is how she began her journey as a saver of Bill’s A@#. Always and forever, since conception. If you recall an earlier post- she also is the one who preached caution when I was ready to leave the womb. I didn’t listen then, I was in a hurry and had to see the world. I have been in a hurry for 50 years now. We were prematurely delivered. And I will take full blame. As the cautious twin, she came out 3 minutes later. And yes, I still claim to be the oldest. But she is the smartest. And she did save me. Even when we were little she knew to be on the lookout for danger for Bill. So, Happy Birthday sis.

For all my friends in education, and even you unlucky ones who don’t have the privilege to work with kids and have summers off (assuming they can afford to take summers off): Your DO NOW for today is to thank someone for their presents. No, I mean thank them for their presence. It makes a difference. And that is all we want to do for kids is make a difference. Right? As I have said, this is also a place for Professional Development. And there is one lesson I know for sure. It was even on Wheel of Fortune last night in a puzzle: “Be grateful, not hateful”.

Good lesson to start with don’t ya think? It is how I stay happy all the time. It is how I continue to smile even when I fall down the stairs with a basket of laundry. Yes- I was trying to help the Real Boss. She heard the basket fall down 20 stairs. I was lucky. I only went down 5. It is all in perspective. My back does not feel lucky. But I am happy anyway. As long as I am on the heating pad. But the importance of this DO NOW cannot be overstated. Even if people think I am too much. Sometimes I think that is my name. But don’t worry- I know who I am now. I am not Too Much or Stop Talking. Just call me Billy D. Or Bill. Or Mr. Donadoni. Don’t call me Will. That’s the thing I am trying to control.

Hopefully, I have learned enough lessons over the past 50 years thanks to my family, friends and faith that I can now rest. And write of course. See, I can be right. And if I am not, heck I will just write. It is safer than climbing dressers.

Footnote: Bolting your dressers to the wall will help children with my impulse control deficit. So after you thank someone, please keep an eye on those like me that need a reminder to keep their feet on the ground and reach for the stars. And don’t talk too much. If they are lucky, the stars will come to them like all the people in my life that have come to me. This is thank you to all of my stars. From Patrick and Steven to the Italians to my “older brother” Matt the hockey coach, Tim the Castle’s best friend and to everyone who has been a part of my journey- I thank my stars. Thank you too, my first stars: baby Joey- and the OG’s. And my savior Sandy AKA Andrea.

Happy Birthday Sis, Thanks for Coming!