franco
11-09-2006, 08:03 PM
I have been fortunate in many ways, although I have had my share of unfortunate events.Having come from Rome,Italy as a ten year old kid,and seeing in front of me Lady Liberty when we landed at Ellis Island,was a sight I will never forget.
Although I was not familiar with the language,poor and without the knowledge of who my Dad was, did not stop me from attempting to chase the American Dream.I became a Naturalized Citizen at 18 and my Corporate Ladder Climb began.
I reached a number of those difficult goals but my main goal of becoming President of The Mack Trucks Co. was not achieved.I did manage to retire before my goal of 55 and raised a wonderful family.
The reason I chose the title of this post,was not actually my idea, but a very dear friend that goes back to my school days.Once Gerald Hausman, who has become a well known writer ,heard the rest of my life events, he encouraged me to write my memoir.
Although I worked at it as if it was a job,I did want it to be accurate, and provide the reader(my family and friends was the original idea)the good ,the bad as well as the ugly.
The title came to me(I Wouldn't Die.) as in writing my chapters.I realized how often I escaped death.
The book was published and to my amazement,I received great reviews as well as being contacted by The LA Times, who later wrote a wonderful review.
I can not tell you how this book has changed my life.First of all for me it was a way to get the many events that were not clear in my mind,out in the open.It was an exercise that for me gave me a feeling of relief.
The beauty of it was when Librarians that acquired the memoir, contacted me and asked me to attend their Library events.Many have said that this was "A remarkable uplifting story that needs to be read by many"
What an honor, and satisfaction.To date I have attended 21 Library events that covered 7 States and it included a few Universities and Fort Belvoir,VA.where I held the event for our troops.
Since the book was dedicated to my coach,as he was my hero and role model,I have been on a number of Radio broadcasts speaking to Coaches.
One event that will remain in my mind is when I was invited to be the key speaker for The Italian Cultural society of washington DC.
Here we have this kid coming to America not knowing where the next meal is coming from, and he ends speaking at Washington DC. and gets to return to Ellis Island presenting his signed memoir to the new Library nearly 50 years after setting foot in America.
Not sure if we all can get this type of satisfaction,but what can you lose.If nothing else you are leaving your loved ones a real picture of Pop,Grandpa,Husband,Brother,friend,an individual who lived a full life.
Visit Amazon for a free read of a number of pages.
Although I was not familiar with the language,poor and without the knowledge of who my Dad was, did not stop me from attempting to chase the American Dream.I became a Naturalized Citizen at 18 and my Corporate Ladder Climb began.
I reached a number of those difficult goals but my main goal of becoming President of The Mack Trucks Co. was not achieved.I did manage to retire before my goal of 55 and raised a wonderful family.
The reason I chose the title of this post,was not actually my idea, but a very dear friend that goes back to my school days.Once Gerald Hausman, who has become a well known writer ,heard the rest of my life events, he encouraged me to write my memoir.
Although I worked at it as if it was a job,I did want it to be accurate, and provide the reader(my family and friends was the original idea)the good ,the bad as well as the ugly.
The title came to me(I Wouldn't Die.) as in writing my chapters.I realized how often I escaped death.
The book was published and to my amazement,I received great reviews as well as being contacted by The LA Times, who later wrote a wonderful review.
I can not tell you how this book has changed my life.First of all for me it was a way to get the many events that were not clear in my mind,out in the open.It was an exercise that for me gave me a feeling of relief.
The beauty of it was when Librarians that acquired the memoir, contacted me and asked me to attend their Library events.Many have said that this was "A remarkable uplifting story that needs to be read by many"
What an honor, and satisfaction.To date I have attended 21 Library events that covered 7 States and it included a few Universities and Fort Belvoir,VA.where I held the event for our troops.
Since the book was dedicated to my coach,as he was my hero and role model,I have been on a number of Radio broadcasts speaking to Coaches.
One event that will remain in my mind is when I was invited to be the key speaker for The Italian Cultural society of washington DC.
Here we have this kid coming to America not knowing where the next meal is coming from, and he ends speaking at Washington DC. and gets to return to Ellis Island presenting his signed memoir to the new Library nearly 50 years after setting foot in America.
Not sure if we all can get this type of satisfaction,but what can you lose.If nothing else you are leaving your loved ones a real picture of Pop,Grandpa,Husband,Brother,friend,an individual who lived a full life.
Visit Amazon for a free read of a number of pages.