I have to say that when my world went south at Nerinx, Emily was one of my biggest proponents. She had absolutely no pull, but she was incredulous that anyone would not think I was a great employee or would want to get rid of me. Emily was my boss, I would say I like my bosses to be women, because Emily was great and Beryl Lemon in the junior school at Priory was probably my favorite person I ever worked for. But maybe not... Emily and I got along because she usually ripped on me with some kind of sarcastic dig. She knew my foibles and found laughter in them. And Kate Sellenriek you know I love the smart asses. Emily was such a good coach and I can only imagine what she is like in the classroom. Kirkwood hired her when they had literally 100s of options. I think she always cared about each and every kid, and the softball kids that played for her loved her. I know she was disappointed when our team lost, and we had an awful district disqualification with her best team, but it was not long after the loss, maybe seconds and Emily was already teaching and coaching, encouraging and mentoring. She was working towards the next game or the next challenge. And the challenges were not always on the field, our softball teams did service work in the community and also did something at Christmas once. Now Emily is not a coach? but a parent to 3 young boys. I would love to be a fly in the family cruiser on the next vacation. I think Emily is great at letting boys be boys and giving them adventures they will remember years later when they are writing blog entries.
How do I know Emily is such a great coach and parent. She coached me, mentored me and made me a better coach and a better teacher. She encouraged me to be true to myself and stay the course, "What you are doing is the right thing, even if they do not and cannot see it." I think I emailed or texted Emily immediately after hearing I did not get the next job. When I was doubting even continuing as a teacher, she got on me good. She was one of the reasons I did not give up.
No words, coach, I cannot think of anything I can say to thank you.
I saw Patrick Panozzo at the last?? St. Dominic Savio school picnic. He pointed over the Stiefermann house and said I live on a street over there. Well that was my hood, and there are only 3 streets. What street? Holyoke. Wait, What is your address? 5920. Patrick lives there with his wife and two small ones. 5920 Holyoke, the Gianino's house. I played Hot Wheels in his basement with Stephen Gianino, who was always making siren noises to alert us that there was a new deal on his car lot. I loved Holyoke, it gave me so many great memories, and a cool stripper name --Honey Holyoke. I hope that Patrick's kids have the same kind of joy and good times that I had on that street.
Patrick has very interesting takes on the world and what is going on around him. He had several good insights into the closing of St. Dominic Savio. When he talks with you, he pauses and thinks and this morning offered great insight into Nerinx, Irish politics, and the Catholic church. Some of you know I will always bleed green and I am happy that Mr. Panozzo is still there instructing young women in Theology, but also instructing young women (fabulous young women) in their Faith journey. It has probably been 5 years since the three of us have been together, but we were quickly back into our old grooves. Maybe next time we will have to get the bats and gloves out and play an alumni game. It would be great to see some of our players. Thanks Patrick for staying the course and doing your best for your students. I guess your kids may still be able to go to school at St. Dominic Savio (i do not except name changes easily) so I am going to leave you with this. A little ditty we sang in grade school.
Run, run, run I think I hear a nun
Pick up your liquor and run,
If a nun should appear,
Say Sister have a beer,
In the cellars of St. Dominic's!!!!!!!!!!
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