Happy holidays

As we close out 2024, I want to thank everyone who has participated in this effort.  I think Chris was the one who use the analogy of throwing a pebble in a pond.  You never know who the ripples will touch.  These have been more than ripples and have reached people I never thought I would connect with again.

I just received a phone call today from Johnny B.  John doesn't call me but this year is different.  Like all of our phone calls they quickly and easily drift into great conversation and stories.  This year has taught me the new value of the people I grew up with who I truly loved as kids, but I fell in love with them all over again as older adults.  Thank you for this priceless gift.

​Yesterday evening I received a call yesteday from Michael LaRusso.  Some of you may remember him.  I certainly did.  He lived next door to Billy Dandola on 218th and 92nd avenue.  Mike was at OLL from 1st through 5th grade and then his family moved.  I spent many a day at his house as a 4th and 5th grader. He looked me up.  He heard the interviews and he picked up the phone.  We talked for an hour before he had to leave to put his daughter to bed. Amazing.  Last time we talkewd we were 10. Yesterday we spoke like it was the day after we saw each other last 53 years ago. I am not a believer, but that's magic every day.

Last week, I called Chris to chat and catch up.  Somehow, Henry Nembach's name came up.  I won't go into details as the story is upsetting (why we have not bee in contact for many years), but Chris encouraged me to 'google Hank and track him down.  I did.  I got a phone number, called and texted but no one answered.  I left coded messages such as "Hank the Bank....it's me.... call me" knowing that there is only one person who would respond to that name. Finally, I needed to use my secret weapon.  I sat down and wrote him a letter and sent it to an address I could only surmise was Hen's. On Monday, I received that smoky voice call. "Mickey Pote...... It's Hank."

Did I mention I speak with marianne Cook now regularly.  True!  As a matter of fact, she mentioned that we may be talking too much when we are on the phone but I find that add becuase I'm doing all the listening!

I don't want to put too much magic into one sitting, but in large part, these are the ripples that Chris predicted. Connections with each other beget connections with each other.

I am very thankful.  My only frustration is the lack of adequate words when I try to describe this project to an outsider. It never quite comes across with the impact that I feel about it and I find myself, cutting myself off and saing, "Nevermind".  I can't seem to do justice when I describe what this (whatever we want to call it) is.

I am full.  Thank you.

And just a reminder, if you have not had the pleasure of an interview (and it is for me), please reach out and let's set one up.  There are so many people with so much to add.  This is a puzzle with hundreds of pieces missing.

Mick

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