My friend Tom Cosentino makes his living in the world of public relations. The Bronx native is personable, always shares a wonderful story, (some of the ones from our college days I’ll keep to myself) and grins warmly when he shakes your hand. He's genuine too, always asking how the family is doing.
I've known Tom for 30 years -- yes, 30 years now. (Frightening, Tom, isn't it?) I thought I knew everything about him. Well, I don't. But this is the wonderful part of a long friendship. Each day brings the opportunity to discover something new and surprising.
Today was such a day.
I found out that my friend grew up on the same street as Jazz great Louis Armstrong's adopted son. Mr. Armstong sang one of my all-time favorite songs, "What A Wonderful World." I play it quite often to cheer me up on gloomy days. I also found out that Mr. Amstrong's adopted son, Clarence, was mentally challenged and faced the taunts and jokes of other kids.
Tom looked after Clarence during these rough times, took him to baseball games, involved him in street activities with the other kids. What Tom learned early on in life is that a person’s appearance isn’t important, but rather their heart and soul which matters most.
It would be an injustice if I continued on about Tom's sweet story and his memories of Clarence Armstrong. So, follow the link, and enjoy Tom Cosentino's wonderful world.
http://innovativemediapr.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/what-i-learned-from-clarence-armstrong/
About Me
- M.J. Sullivan
- I love to watch my kids play sports, read a great book, sit by a roaring fireplace, sip a glass of white wine, and listen to soft music.
11 comments:
Thanks for the link, Mike. I've got it bookmarked for my afternoon catch up.
And, yes, 30 years slips by while your off doing things, doesn't it?
What a wonderful story. It just shows that you can still have surprises even after that long a friendship.
Mike Sullivan send me your address.
Time does slip by in a blink of an eye while one handles the everyday stresses of life.
My email address is hoopsul@aol.com. Thanks for posting a comment.
Thanks for the link, I really enjoyed reading both your thoughts and Tom Cosentino's blog (Tom sounds like a strong Italian name. :) And he's in Brooklyn, love the accent too).
That song happens to be a favorite of mine as well, we played it on our wedding day.
It's stories like these that remind us how friendships and memories are priceless and precious.
Thanks, what a wonderful story.
Thanks for the link, Mike. Will go check it out. Have a great day,
Karen
Thought provoking and heart-rending. Thanks.
Thanks Rhea ...
Hope you enjoy it Karen ...
Thanks for reading Pastor
Tom is a strong Italian ... lol ... thanks Selena for reading
What a wonderful story.
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