Bill Bids Farewell

I have thought about the day when I would reflect back on my life at Saint Mary’s many times in the last three-and-a-half years. I knew I would be here writing this letter, but I never thought it would be as a member of the track team. When I joined the team, I had no expectations; I didn’t even know whether I was fast or not. But I was given the privilege to run for Saint Mary’s and so I’ve tried to be the best runner I could be ever since that day. There were times that I questioned why this was what I wanted because the things I’ve accomplished during track are not those that I set out to do. I’ve never placed in an event, nor will you see my name in any of the meet recaps. Then I think of the friendships I’ve made and how I’ve learned so much more going through hard times than I did when everything was easy for me, and I realize that I can’t picture things happening any other way. I’m happy with whom I have become, and I realize that I have been successful, even if the ends were not the original goals. There are many people that I would like to thank for supporting me along the way and never letting me quit. To my father, you are an amazing person and I am so glad that our relationship has strengthened by so much in the last year. You wrote to me once that the things which challenge us most are also those that make us stronger physically, mentally, and most importantly spiritually. You’ve also mentioned to me several times about when I was six and had signed up for a wrestling tournament, but refused to wrestle when I got there because there were too many people watching. You took me outside and said that I never had to wrestle again, but that this day I must honor my commitment. You repeatedly never allowed me to quit when faced with adversity, and I am convinced that if you had at any time of my life allowed me to take the easy way out, I would never be the person I am today. My dedication and persistence are two of the qualities I treasure most, and you are responsible for each. I find the same qualities in you, too, because you have been so dedicated to me. You never missed my games growing up and you always did what was best for me even if it wasn’t always best for you. I love you more than anything in this world and I wish I could include so many other wonderful things you’ve done for me into this short letter. Just know that I know how much you have supported me and that I could only hope to provide the kind of unconditional love you’ve shown me. To my mother, your mental strength and courage amaze me everyday. Whether you’re running around the ER helping save lives or battling cancer, you’ve always made those around you feel like everything is alright. I’ll never forget the good times we’ve had just hanging out around the house, and some of my best and earliest memories from childhood are just the two of us doing random things. You’ve put so much time, energy, and money into making my life better, even at the expense of your own free time and money that I will never be able to properly thank you, but I do hope that you know how much I love and appreciate you. To my grandparents, you guys have been there for me throughout my entire life. Whether it was driving two to ten hours a weekend to watch me play or raising me as a child, every moment I spent with you was a pleasure. Grandma Bade, I’ve always considered you like a parent to me because of how much time we spent together when I was little. I’ll never forget the times we built igloos, played baseball up at Westgate, or played hockey in your beauty shop in between customers. To Annie, you’ve been like a sister to me these last four years and I hope you know how much that has meant to me. I wish you the best of luck in life and know that I’ll be right there with you. Kirk, I want to thank you for the opportunity to run for you. I was never going to be your fastest runner, but you still cared about how I did at meets and gave me the chance to be the best runner I could be. I never ran less than I was capable during practice, and part of the reason for that is because I have a tremendous amount of respect for you. It was a pleasure running for you and I wish you the best in your career. I know you have done special things with this Saint Mary’s team and that you will continue to produce great athletes. To my fellow sprinters, you guys are not only talented but a great group of people. There is so much potential in you all and you have the ability to make track here something very special. Keep working hard and you’ll see what I mean. Dan, I want to thank you in particular for everything you’ve taught me about running the last few years as well as being a great friend. Your hard work and dedication will take you far in track as well as life. Good luck not only in track next year, but also in whatever you choose to do after graduating. There are so many other people that deserve my thanks, especially my friends here at Saint Mary’s. Curtis, Carl, and Emmett, I couldn’t imagine living with anyone but you three. We’ve had so many great times that I don’t even remember them all, but I know I’ll never forget the best ones. When I came to Saint Mary’s, I was at first not sure if this was the right place for me. But now, as I graduate, I can’t see myself anywhere but here. It’s weird how so many things had to fall into place for me to end up here as I am, and I really feel blessed by all that I have been given. As I get ready to leave, I’m excited for my future but know that these last four years will be hard to let go of. I will be leaving so many great friends, and I wish you all the very best in life.