Good news from the Academy. Wally got the shots he needed at the vet…and now he is recovered and a little more lucid after the meds wore off. So as we strolled the backyard he said, “Dad, I want you to know- I am sorry I ate your homework. But If you need to remember the essay you wrote for the world…I can tell you what it said. But you have to promise to lie down in the hammock and listen to me. It will take a few minutes. Are you ready to hear the essay I ate?”

“Of course dear Wally. I will always listen to you. After all, you have brought me through a pandemic, loss of Mimi and Papa, loss of jobs, loss of much of my eyesight and ability to comfortably walk. And I am still happy. Because I have you. I am here. Tell me please little man- what were the words I wrote on that paper?!?! After all, I have always believed in my dog and I forgive you for eating my homework…but I really want to remember what it said.”

Wally and I then jumped into the hammock and he proceeded to tell me the words I had written. It seemed clear and organized. Good thing because my mother is an English teacher. So that makes sense. It also seems clear and logical because my father is a math teacher and very wise. I am lucky and blessed. And this I know because of the way my life has gone. And after listening to Wally, I got great understanding of how to live. So here is the essay as he related it to me. He followed the sermon with a snuggle and a burp. He probably ate too much pizza. But that is okay. He is just a dog after all. Worthy of love and forgiveness. And he spoke these words:

I have learned many lessons. For I have 3 gifts. I want to share them because after all Donadoni means, “Giver of Gifts”…so here is what I have. The 3 gifts I have are named Alex, Maeve, and Beth. The 3 lessons I have learned are humility, family, and friendship. I can explain them all as they have happened to me. I want to do this so others will understand and have the same joy and peace that I live with every day. No matter what. It is important to believe that I have these gifts, because then I know to see them for what they are. And it is important to remember the lessons, so that I remember how to live and appreciate the gifts I have so that I can share them properly with the world. Then I am doing my part to bring joy and peace to the world. After all, I can only do what I can do in my corner of the universe.

The first lesson of humility has come to me in a flurry. I was, for a long time a special needs teacher in Lynn. I thought I was the greatest teacher to walk the earth. So I followed the path to becoming an assistant principal and dreamed of becoming a principal. When circumstances beyond my control left me unable to be an assistant principal I went back to teaching- my first love. However, when my body did not allow me to do that job, I stayed home and focused on my job as a dad and a husband. And we all know how humbling being a dad and a husband can be. We also know how humbling it can be when we cannot see or walk well enough to do what we love to do for work. Thus, I have learned humility. I have learned to be myself and share my wisdom with those closest to me. That way I am truly serving those who need me, rather than serving those I choose. It is not my will. So, in the words of my friend AJ- I have gotten “Right Sized”. I have learned humility. An important lesson for all.

The next lesson I have learned is the importance of faith and my family. My family provides what I need. As long as I see that they are doing what they are called to do. I believe in them. And I believe they are important. Families share with each other the gifts they have and together they provide for one another everything each needs. This I have learned by watching what my children and wife bring to the table. Literally- food, fun, and inspiration. Their strength in facing adversity, their happiness always, and their unwavering belief in me help me learn the lesson of family. This is good. It helps our unity and helps us face the real world. Cuz it ain’t easy out there. Trust me I know. Heck, I rarely get out there these days. But that is fine, because I have my family and that is what is important.

The 3rd lesson is to thank your friends for all their love and support. From Syracuse to Amenia to Massachusetts I have been blessed with loyal, supportive friends. From Syracuse, I present a true soul mate, Dr. Steve Florczyk who often joined heads with Patrick to be there for me since Kindergarten. Another very close friend of mine (this one from Providence College) who best embodies these qualities is my great Irish Lawyer/Sage/friend named James O’Shea of Lynn. Few have done more to stand by my side and guide me in good times and challenging events. I wish he had a blog to share his wit and wisdom, but he’s found a different path to share. Without getting too political, I know he will use his vast experience in the law, wisdom and ability to seek the Truth to lead to his victory in his battle this fall. “O’Shea for DA” is a mantra my friends shout now.. As a DA I know he will share his gifts too. For I know the man, and the lawyer. And I’m lucky and blessed that I do. From Amenia I mention the Big Dog. As an older brother I didn’t have, we have shared considerable walks through the peaks and valleys of life. My school families in Lynn, Saugus and Everett have all taught me the value of being myself, and the confidence to follow my heart. Not too many people can say the same about wherever they have roamed and served. I had the love for my vocation, but these friends gave me knowledge to know I was exact where I should be. I hope all of the above recognize my gratitude and appreciation for their inspirational presence in my life.

Wally, clearly my best friend knew all of this so he just ate this essay. I hope this essay enlightens and helps you know the real Bill a bit better. But most importantly, I seek for you all to understand these gifts of mine. As a giver- today I offer you an insight into why I give the world my positive energy and infectious zeal for life. Hopefully my sense of humor and resilience shine forth as well. These gifts can be found in my examples and ambitious desire to make the world a better place.,.yes there’s a bit of ego in me too! I’ll settle for making the lives of those around me a bit happier and more peaceful.

To my family and friends I say, “Thanks for Coming!”