'It Began in Brooklyn' started out after some of the guys that I hang out with after church service suggested I start writing down some of my stories that would come out during our weekly get-together. One thing led to another and before I knew it, I was in the process of chronicling some of the more humorous episodes of my life. Turns out I've lived through a lot of funny things. And a big part of it leads back to where I was born.
Brooklyn, New York, was a really special place back in the 40's, and I never realized, until much later in life, that the values and strengths that have served me so well over the years were built, not just by the dynamic present in my own family, but, by the community as a whole. At age 17, I was in such a hurry to leave it that I joined the Navy, and you know what they say about how you can leave home, but home never leaves you? Well thank goodness it's true.
The recollection of my experiences with catholic school, military service, childhood friendships, my career path, family traditions, and the joy of community, are uniquely mine, but somehow there is a universality to the imprint of these moments, and like the petals of a flower, they layer together to make something that is truly interesting to look at, no matter how imperfect some of these petals really are.
I hope you enjoy reading it.
