June 7 09
This time of year is very busy for us and it’s very bittersweet. On Thursday, Ali & I attended the St. Mary Magdalen (SMM) Athletic Association Sports Banquet to present this year’s winner of the “Andrew McDonough B+ Award”. As most of you know, Andrew and Ali are alums of SMM School and it was hard looking out at the soon-to-be 8th grade graduates realizing that Andrew sat in those seats just 3 years ago. Man, how our lives have changed. We are very appreciative of Tom Higley and all of the members of the SMM Athletic Association for continuing to honor Andrew in this way. There were 7 outstanding nominees recommended by the coaches and the selection committee certainly could have chosen any one as they were all so deserving. It was my great privilege to present this year’s “Andrew McDonough B+ Award” to Paige Thommes. As soon as I get the pictures, I’ll post one. Congratulations, Paige.
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On Friday morning, I was truly honored to be the graduation speaker at North Star Elementary School. It’s funny because I was actually their second choice, but their first choice couldn’t make it. He sent a nice note though. He’s another ‘Joe’…. Joe Biden! So, they got stuck with me — another Irishman who likes to talk. :) Seriously, I really enjoyed speaking to the graduates and their families. I hope they take a little of Andrew with them as they move on to their new schools.
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On Friday night, Chris and I were invited to present an “Andrew McDonough Scholarship” to Collin LeNoir at St. Elizabeth’s Elementary School graduation. It was a packed church and so many of the teachers told us that Collin is a great choice to represent our boy. Collin will be a freshman at Salesianum School in the fall. Collin, congratulations and good luck!
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On Saturday morning, the graduation ‘circuit’ shifted to graduation ceremonies at IHM grade school in Wilmington. Our second recipient of an “Andrew McDonough Scholarship” is Chris Walker and we know that Andrew is proud of both of these young men. Chris, congratulations and enjoy your summer.
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As you know from a few weeks ago, the Hockessin (DE) MOMS Club organized a “Touch-A-Truck” fundraiser that benefitted OUR Foundation and the Ryan Scott Kappes Foundation. The event was super successful! Last night, Kim Ciconte, the Touch-A-Truck Co-Chair, presented Chris and I with a check for $6,500. This is another remarkable example of ‘kids helping kids fight cancer’. Thank you so much, Hockessin MOMS Club!
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Unfortunately, this has been a tough week with the loss of some friends and the brother of a friend. As you’ll recall from my last posting, I asked for prayers for our good friend, Billy McGowan. Billy went to Heaven on Friday night and I’m sure that he and Andrew are talking Salesianum stuff right now. We’re going to miss Billy, but he lived a good life, his faith was unbelievably strong, he touched so many lives, and we know where he is. A former co-worker and friend, Don Schmitt, passed away earlier in the week and I ask for prayers for his family as well. And, the brother of my good friend, Charlie Marvel, went to Heaven earlier in the week as well. It’s a lot to deal with in one week.
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I heard a song today that reminds me SO much of Andrew’s last healthy summer with us. I remember playing this song a lot and it’s really hard to listen to it now. There’s a line in the song that really sticks out to me…
“…And if you got something that you need to say
You better say it right now cause you don’t have another day…”
I hope and pray that you have many more days, but please take the message to heart.
(Who knows what song this is??? :) )
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Live Like Andrew - be open with your feelings!
B+
Ali’s & Andrew’s Dad
www.BePositive.org
P.S. Still time to register or support our B+ 5k Fighting Pediatric Cancer Run/Walk. Thanks.
https://www.signup82north.com/BPos2009/EventLandingPage.aspx