Celebrate Your Life

-

The Gow School invited us to participate in the awarding of the Jeff Fazzolari Memorial Scholarship. Even better, they fed us first.

I really need to eat spinach salad more often.

We headed to the gym on a sweltering hot day after meeting some of the people who loved Jeff in a work setting. Brad, Paul, Gayle, Kathleen and many others stopped by to hug us. Corinne was her usual fantastic self, and Mom smiled through eyes that threatened tears.

But there's no tougher Fuzzy than Mom.

Not even close.

I presented the award to a student who met with me at the first book signing I did for Oh Brother! The Life and Times of Jeff Fazzolari.

Ibrahim Kalla is not from our country, but he told me a story about being welcomed to Gow by Jeff. He cried at the book signing. I remember signing a book for him and giving him a hug.

"I loved your brother," he told me back then.

I didn't remember him until I saw him on Friday. I was happy they chose him as the student recipient.

The faculty member who was also honored was Paul Rose, Jeff's good friend for years. Paul deserved the honor and I was proud to present it to him.

In fact, I was proud the entire time. In the sweltering heat, smiling with Corinne, feeling the pangs of pain.

Proud ruled the day.

And with my head held high I headed for the exit.

A woman intercepted me.

She was obviously not a U.S. Citizen and she confirmed that for me as her eyes filled with tears.

"We flew to Buffalo in a snowstorm in January of '09. We arrived late and were told the best they could do for us at such a late hour was hot chocolate in the cafe. I was so scared. I was leaving my son here for his education. The snow was flying. We were so tired and so scared."

I knew what was coming but I didn't say a word.

"Your brother was in the kitchen when we arrived. He made us hot chocolate and then he made enough food for ten people. It was late, he was tired, but he prepared a meal for us, and then he sat with us and told us it would be all right. He was so funny."

Tears flowed down the woman's face.

It was exactly what I thought she'd tell me.

Perhaps I'm wrong when I sign the books:

"Jeff's Message: Celebrate Your Life."

He celebrated everyone's life.

"We were total strangers," the woman said. "He didn't have to do it."

"Yes he did," I said as I hugged her. "That was Jeff."

So proud.

Comments

Anonymous said…
so sweet... touching!!!
26 May, 2012
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Suits

-
Like a lot of other people we got pulled into the series, ‘Suits’ on Netflix. I’ve never had much fun hanging around lawyers who have questioned me as a construction safety officer. I once testified in a case where the opposing lawyer started questioning me by going through my educational background. “So,” he said, racing to a crescendo, “You graduated from college with a degree in Communications-Journalism and suddenly, 30 years later, you’re a ‘safety expert.’” He actually made the quotation marks with his fingers. I just looked at him. “How does that happen?” He bellowed, sure that he was going to discredit me. “Well,” I said. “I knew I was overqualified to become a lawyer.” The courtroom erupted in laughter. Even the judge chuckled. The rest of his questions landed flat. So, I wasn’t all that keen on a show about lawyers, but ‘Suits’ is great. Meghan Markle became a princess because of the show, and she is very good in it (and a beautiful woman). Yet, there is so much more. The wri
Read more

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I bet you tha
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C’mon, Oliver,”
Read more