Hi everyone, welcome to thanks for being here, a short, weekly pod to remind us of the many

essential and beautiful ways we affect one another. Every Sunday, I'll read a submission

from a listener of Kelly Corrigan Wonders, could be wedding vows or about mitzvah toast,

a eulogy, or retirement speech. We believe this is probably the loveliest way to tap into

our better selves and remember our highest values. We encourage you to share this podcast

each week with one person you love. Maybe someone you miss and need to bring closer.

Someone you want to feel your appreciation or admiration or both.

This is thanks for being here.

This week's thanks for being here comes from a listener named Alison Hassett Woll. She says,

hi Kelly, a long time reader and listener just listened for the second time to your interview

with Father Greg Boyle, my personal hero, who I am going to see next week in Buffalo.

I'm attaching a toast I did at my stepson's wedding in June, which is largely based on the

writings of Father Boyle. I have a young son with Down syndrome and my stepson and his wife

personified the type of mutuality that Father Greg both lives and evangelizes. Please use it if

you see fit. Thanks for being you Alison. Here we go. This is Alison Hassett Woll's toast

at her stepson's wedding. One aspect of Jake and Alison's relationship that drew them together

and that also grounds them is their shared commitment to the full humanity and the importance of

honoring the dignity of the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Both Jake and Alison had their own personal experiences that brought them to this place and

their paths converged at Bethesda Elementary School where they were both educators.

Alison is a teacher for profoundly disabled students and Jake is a general education teacher

who happened to welcome, cherish and support students with all different kinds of challenges.

...