Wiz



I am not sure how it happened.  I am not sure when it happened.    A stroke of a principal's pencil assigned me to same class as Dale “Wiz” Wisinayi way back in 1970.   Wiz was my first true friend.  



As we focus on improving student achievement, we sometimes need to be reminded that what may matter most to our students are the relationships they share with friends they make at school.    Dale and I are more than friends.  He is my brother.

Friendships are formed when students share common interests.  Dale and I shared two common interests.  We are one of the greatest comedy duos ever and we were always looking for a way to make a buck.


I am not sure what teachers thought when saw are names on their roster.  I think it went like this, "Dale is a nice hard working boy. Oh no! he is with Oxley."  Dale was the straight man to the Wiz and Ox comedy team.  He would set up the joke, and I would slam it home.   He would walk the line and I would cross it.   I laugh just thinking about joking with my friend.  The thought of those days always makes me smile. 


Dale and I did are best learning working together on projects.  We capitalized on each other’s strengths.  Our friendship at its core was each of us helping the other.   We compensated for each other.   Each of us supporting and helping our friend.


Wiz and I started working long before we were able to drive.  We cut grass.  We did odd jobs for old timers.   Mostly, we painted houses.  We were industrious even learning to carry an extension ladder between two bikes.  We learned at a very early age that if you wanted something you earned it.   The whole time joking and laughing as we put a few bucks in our pockets.


I regret I don't see “Wiz” as often as I would like.  We both live busy lives 200 miles apart.  When we do see each other, it is like I just saw him yesterday.  Laughter is abundant.  Laughter is how we show we care about each other.  Laughter is our bond.


Wiz was my first friend.  I was in his wedding and he was in mine.   I am blessed with many friends, but Wiz is more than friend.  He is my life-long friend.   We are forever linked as two wise-guys.


 Long ago, a principal placed me in the same class as Wiz and my life was made richer by having Dale as a loyal friend.  We will always be one of the greatest knucklehead comedy duos ever to grace a school.  Wiz is my “laughing” brother.  Wiz and Ox laughing and joking for over forty years.

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