Finer Moments

Some of the finer moments in life are rarely deemed so while “in the moment.” We seem to realize their value once committed to memory and, above all, during less fine moments. I have been fortunate enough to make it through a night in a jail cell, to recover from a serious illness, and to come to terms with the loss of a loved one. While living through these less fine moments, I distinctly recall yearning for blissful times of yore, which seemed to pass before and behind my eyes. They have become, nonetheless,  touchstones for me. Although I would never want to relive such hardships, I am able to find some good in them. I was released from the jail cell just in time to prevent my tattoo-teared cellmate from using me to “mop the floor with.” Eduardo Fichera, my brother from Palermo, happened to be sharing a hotel room with me during the delirium-filled night in Florence when meningitis was getting the better of my brain and body. Mary Giannetti Bonanno may no longer be with us, but she watches over us. The Cape Cod Beer Bash, from 5-9 PM on Friday, August 27, is sure to be a fine moment. While hoisting a pint and contributing to the Last Gasp charity, guests might relish such a fine moment and smile while recalling those less fine moments committed to memory for no other reason than to help us cherish all that is good. The moustache is coming along, and I am doing my best to appreciate it now.

Day 18: I will not settle for extensions.