THE VISIT BEGINS 

August 3, 1989 Richie was born at Burbank Hospital, the decision was made. 

According to Albert Einstein, “there are only two ways to live your life.” One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is though everything is a miracle. Richie made his choice early. When Richie went to school he wanted to have many friends and treat them nice, because he enjoyed being treated nice. His smile would beam. This continued at Johnny Appleseed throughout the years. One day Mr. Salvatelli called me into the office, I thought one of my sons or daughter had stepped out of line. “Is everything okay?” (was my question) Mr. Salvatelli brought Richie into the office with me and showed us testing results as good as he had ever seen. Just then Richie said to Mr. Salve can I go out and play with my buddies now. Mr. Salvatelli and I looked at each other, shrugged in approval, and off he went, Richie being Richie. 

THE VISIT CONTINUES 

Helen Keller once said “Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” Rich was filling out college applications and in his college essay he states “Golf and my family have given me an attitude that keeps me positive and well-motivated. I try to achieve and do the best I can in whatever challenges that arise. Everything that I have done in my life I have earned, nothing has ever been handed to me. I got a call from my Dad one day that seemed pretty random. He said to me on the phone NEVER… I replied “GIVE UP” honestly, it was a natural response to me. Something my father instilled in me at a very young age. One of his students was questioning the learning process and he promised that he could call anyone of his children and he called me and he played the response over his cell phone and I thought it was really cool. It only seemed right for him to call me and show his students what truly counts. What matters. It is a very simple message. Something no one should ever forget. Life can be really hard. NEVER GIVE UP!”

THE VISIT CONTINUES 

He went to Bentley University and developed close friendships right away. One of the young men Tim who he roomed with for a few years. They became very supportive of one another. His friendship was strong. They kept in touch quite a bit and did many activities together. Richie found out Tim was getting married and was invited to his wedding on October 4th. Richie sat down with us and decided on gifts and he was very determined to attend this beautiful service. He found the strength to somehow attend this wedding in Jay Peak, Vermont 20 minutes from Canada. With oxygen tanks galore in his car and by his side, Kristin would make sure that he was comforted and enjoyed his visits with his friends. My wife and I were concerned that Richie may not be able to make it there and back so we secretly took the trip to make sure Kristin and Richie had the support they needed. His independence was very important to him. His visit continues.

THE GIFTS 

Richie had a need to complete “THE LIST” It was talked about daily during the last weeks of his visit. Jonathan would receive his treasured crucifix to wrap him in love and security forever. Maura, his nurse at Dana Farber, would receive the Jimmy Fund telethon photo and a bottle of Powers Whiskey (to be sipped slowly over time) Jill’s gift, a necklace that shows her support as a sister and as a friend. Kristin, an early birthday gift, a simple loving heart for her to cherish. James his first vehicle, a Leominster blue truck. To Shauna, a letter to be delivered with love. The Hope Lodge in Boston, a place for cancer patients to stay, he wanted to serve dinner to all the patients staying there. He often received meals and wanted to give back. We will be giving back on December 6. Wedding gifts: Many of his friends will be getting married and will receive a wedding gift from Richie. To my Dad a new set of golf clubs to put in his refurbished Bentley golf bag. This should help improve Dad’s game (maybe). To my Mom the patience and understanding, the tolerance to put up with my Dad forever and ever (good luck). Plus some visits to 4 seasons resort (Because I have a hookup Hawaii). To my whole family a cherished visit to St. Andrews golf course to place my redstrong bracelet under the bridge. A visit I couldn’t complete myself because of time. 

PROMISES AND BELIEFS 

If you start something… you finish it. I live by that. Quitting was never in my vocabulary. I live by that. If you’re going to do it, do it right, I live by that. Talk is cheap and action is scarce. Lead by example. Do what you like and like what you do, possibilities are endless, always forgive I live by that. I want Jonathan to become a teaching golf pro, and to be the best one he can be. To enjoy his profession as much as I enjoyed life itself. Keep the faith and keep the promise. Jill, be happy and search for your dreams. Keep the faith and keep the promise. James, do your best in school, be the best you can be, surround yourself with good friends. Friendship was always very important to me. Follow your dreams and never give up. Please break my golf scoring records. (and he did) Keep the faith and keep the promise. To Mom and Dad, continue to enjoy each other, take family vacations, and enjoy your visit. 

THE VISIT 

What is a visit? There is nobody on earth who asked to be here. But we are placed on earth. You choose your miracle. Your stay is only a visit, some visits are short and some visits are not long enough but we are all just visitors that happen to bump into each other along the way. Richie’s visit was awesome and he wants you all to understand and make the best of your visit.