Addio Preside |
| Don Luigi Pontel |
My
Dear Dean,
few weeks ago I received the message of your death. I prefer the word "transition".
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the good that I've wanted and you did. Many years have passed since we first met, and I remember like it was yesterday. You've taught the love of wisdom, of course: the philosophy. And you spoke with such passion that students leave us speechless. Time seemed to fly when we spoke. And always stressed the importance of serenity. It is because of you that I passed most of my fears and I have destroyed the demons of the past that held me in his hand, which gave me the feeling of being nobody. And in two years, my life has completely changed thanks to you, our dear and talented teachers and my classmates. I owe you so much, dear Don Gigi. It was a dark period of my life, no way out. And thou hast given hope in me and my abilities. You were one of the few who did not judge me and you have recognized my true talents and gently pushed me, with love and respect, in my own way.
Your idea of high school "Paolino d'Aquileia" will continue. You made me realize that my value does not depend on a vote of mathematics or opinion of another person. It made me play that beautiful piano. Unforgettable moments. You gave me the opportunity to study, to understand, to grow. I have made possible a wider general education. And always laughed.
Today, many years after graduation, you'd be proud of me. Yet I, like you, talk to the general public and m'azzardo even talk of love and serenity. I, who was always at war with teachers and the rest. And now I am myself a sort of teacher and work all over the world in four languages and teach participants the secrets to my communication. Without you I would not be where I am now.
You have reached the end the ripe old age of 85 years. One thing I regret: I would hope that, if I were to get married, you'd be directing the ceremony. Oh well, you see that this step was not foreseen, nor for you, nor for me. And another thing I do not agree: The phrase "Don Pontel has died." You do not have you off and there will never quench. Energy is not lost, energy transforms. And the soul is immortal. So you will always be bright, pure energy, light. I'd rather have Don Pontel left his body and continued his journey. "
I purposely chose the photo because I think expresses the way you are and to live: in joy. And those your glasses crooked always made me laugh and I thought to myself: "What phenomenon dear Dean!" Never forget the laughter when you arrived with your car full of broken-down barrel and a half maybe the night before because you were over in a ditch :-). And always laughed ...
I greet you and take you with me always in my thoughts and my heart full of gratitude for having been so fortunate to have known you. Thanks for taking me a few years of my life. You always continue to be alive in the hearts of your students and now it's up to us to continue to spread your message of love and serenity ....
The postcard below, I found "by accident" a few minutes ago. I wrote it before the entrance examination and was my dear father to give it to me. These few lines reflect the wealth and your infinite goodness and focus your life philosophy in a nutshell. I was reassured and given confidence, even today, that I read your thoughts at this moment.
Goodbye dear friend. Have a good trip.
Your Ventura :-)