It has been a momentous day if you are a member of
Amistad, Peter Driscoll has retired as the executive director. I apologize
Peter if I spelled your last name wrong. I first met Peter when I was 18 years
old and nervous as could be on my first day at Amistad. He along with all the
regular members at the time were extremely reassuring to me as well as
welcoming. He made me feel welcome that day and every time I saw and talked to
him.
You would never hear him say a negative thing unless it
was with a ton of sarcasm. He always ate lunch with the members no matter how
busy he was. You would find him every day in the dining room with the rest of
the members mingling and eating. Always complimenting the chef as well. Peter
would make his house open in the summer for a get together of the members and
his family was and is a part of our community. Just as he is still despite his
retiring.
And when one of us passed away he was emotional along
with the rest of us. Peter has been an inspirational leader for Amistad and
fought for every cent of funding he could get for us. And, he has done a
wonderful job of it, making it possible for Amistad to be open 6 days a week as
well as to serve lunch every day it is open. Plus, he made it possible for us
to serve breakfast five days of the week that we are open as well.
Every idea I have ever wanted to explore Peter has
encouraged me to look into. He has been supportive of me going back to college.
He never discouraged a member from going above and beyond or from trying new
things. In fact, he has always encouraged us to try new things. Just getting to
say hi to Peter is enough to brighten anyone’s day since he is so cheerful. You
have to wonder how he does it with every obstacle he faces on a regular basis
to keep Amistad running.
But, no matter what he has been faced with he has almost
always done it with a smile. I have only seen that man break down twice since I
have been a member. The first time was when Shawn Potter passed a way, which
was devastating to all of Amistad. You will hear more about Shawn next week
here. And, the second time was today when he made his retirement speech. And,
when Peter cries we all cry with him.
He has been the backbone of Amistad emotionally along
with Chuck for a long time. Chuck is taking a sabbatical for now. And, Peter is
retiring to have more time with his family as he has much earned for all he has
done for us. But, I hope he remembers that we consider him family too as well
as his family. And, they will always have a place at Amistad. I also find it
fitting that the dining room has been named Driscoll’s Diner.
And, it should stay that way for good. He has earned that
honor, by being an ever reassuring presence there no matter what crisis we
faced. You could always count on Peter being in the dining room having lunch
with us and being cheerful. He has taught us courage, integrity, as well as
sacrifice all while being the executive director of Amistad. And, I don’t feel
a sense of lose since he has assured me he will be popping in from time to
time.
For many he has been the father figure they lost or never
had and he has done a hell of a job filling such big shoes. For me he was one
of my mentors when I most needed one, and I hope to do him proud. And, that I
have done him proud in this column. You are hard to sum up in words Peter. Even
for a writer like me. I know and trust that you have left Amistad in good
hands. But, I’ll still be watching all the same just for peace of mind anyways.
And, I could go on and on about the good works you have
done Peter but I will let them speak for themselves. I just hope I did you
proud. Feel free to leave your questions and comments below. And, if you want
my columns to appear in your inbox enter your email address in the box below
where it says follow by email. As for me I need some tissues and a cup of
coffee before I go to do schoolwork. *Tips his hat and walks out the door. *
awesome post buddy. God bless Mr. Driscoll and all those associated with Amistad.
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