Green Bananas: The Wisdom of Father Bill Atkinson

PAPERBACK EDITION OF HUGELY POPULAR HARDCOVER BOOK. In the 2000-year history of the Catholic Church, Bill Atkinson was the first quadriplegic to be ordained as a priest...a very special human being. Bill Atkinson was the front rider on a toboggan racing down a snow-covered hill in New York state. Four young men were enjoying an exhilarating ride in the crisp air when, suddenly, they careened into a tree the devastating collision broke Bill's neck. Coming out of a coma, Bill found himself in a hospital bed, unable to feel his body. Trapped, helpless and totally dependent on friends and family, he was to begin a 40-year saga that would include his becoming a priest who would go on to teach for many years at Monsignor Bonner High School in Upper Darby, PA in the suburbs of Philadelphia and provide counsel and inspiration to thousands of students...and he does so again in this wonderful book. Some had thought that Bill might become an athlete and that his brother, Al, might one day join the priesthood. A few years later, as Bill watched from his wheelchair, his brother Al Atkinson, a superb linebacker, walked victoriously off the field of Super Bowl III. This is not just a story for Catholics, although many will find their faith strengthened by the humility and wisdom of Father Bill. Others will be inspired by a man who endured and accepted crushing adversity with rare courage and who said: "Love God by loving your neighbor... Give and Receive Love is the big Christian message...the rest is just buildings and ceremonies...Love is our pipeline to the divine and God's waiting for us to get that one of these days...and in the meantime, he's being very patient with us!" "All of your anger is just going to make you sick. Give in to God's love, you'll be surprised what appears in your life." That was Father Bill: Love & Acceptance personified.