Charles Finnigan taught his family to think positive, not to dwell on what you don't have but rather make the best of what you do have.  The family was not seven "poor Motherless children", they were the lucky Finnigans!  They enjoyed a hot lunch in the Nuns quarters while the other kids were bagging it in the cafeteria.  They were chosen to ring the dismissal bell and wind the Victrola while the rest of the kids marched out of school.

They helped their Dad manage the household by cooking, cleaning, washing and ironing and keeping themselves out of trouble; cutting the neighbors' lawns, delivering newspapers, working at Hetzel drug store and polishing floors at Christ the King church.   

They were the lucky boys and girl that enjoyed frequent visits to the Stella Niagara Convent where Mother Ludwina moved briskly into the waiting room, veil streaming behind her, and one by one swept each child into her gown, hugging, kissing and giving the feeling they're the most important person in the world!

They knew that if they were going to do something, they had to "do it right or not do it at all".  They got angry when people gave them that "you poor child look".  They were leaders in their classrooms and sold more peanut brittle for the school fund raiser than any other family year after year. They were full of ambition and honesty and had the discipline to get things done.

They gained well earned support and a watchful eye from their teachers and counselors and learned early on that they could have anything they wanted in life, all they had to do is decide what they're willing to give up to get it!  They were going somewhere and they wouldn't let anything or anybody stand in their way!