Friday, September 2, 2011
Mike
A man, a musician, a soldier, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a giver, a kind gentle soul and a friend to all who were fortunate to know you.
I've always enjoyed spending time in your company and will remember the conversations we have had over the years.
There were times I would ask you about Italy and you would reply with "what would you like to know?" I would ask you about what it was like for you growing up as a child in Italy, what types of things you liked to do, when were you first inspired to pick up an instrument and play music, I would ask you about the various venues you played with your band (as Mrs. C would often interject with a chuckle or three by letting me know that Mike was quite the playboy in these times - - always had a bouquet of girls close by when the band was playing or while Mike was in the crowd signing autographs - (wink-wink)) and as you responded to all these questions I had for you, I could see that you really enjoyed revisiting these memories and were more than happy to share these memories with me. Thank you for helping me to understand more about the culture in first person which in turn helped me to understand more about you the person.
I recall asking you about what is was like for you, how you felt and where you were in the beginning of the war... and you had told me a story of standing on a mountain top, being able to hear and feel the thunder and whistles above you while watching the skies light up throughout the night. As you described theses events to me you painted a very vivid vision of your experience.
Mike, throughout the years I've observed that you were always a very good listener. You always took an interest in conversations of others, no matter the topic. As I have come to find in addition, you've also have had some great conversation to offer.
I know how much you enjoyed repairing, fixing and resurrecting items and such that would have been much easier to throw away and buy another new one. I know that you took great pride in the many restorations you performed over the years (vacuums, clocks, dishes, picture frames, furniture, clothing, etc... You would make Macgyver look like a piano player playing a concerto in mittens.
Also Mike, thank you, as I had thanked you many, many times, for taking the time with me to better understand the native Italian language as you spoke it.
E 'stato un piacere sul fatto che
(It was a pleasure knowing you)
Rest now Mike and begin your new journey...
Bill
