One Mans Courage

If you have already read 'Whispers from an Empty Coffin', you will recognize the
names I mention and why I absolutely had to make this journey.

Background: Those that know me know I am not a huge fan of flying. Never
have been. It has nothing to do with 9/11. Flying just freaks me out. I have
always said if God wanted me to fly, he would have given me wings. However,
knowing the only way for me to get to Hoboken (realistically speaking) was to
put on my big girl panties, book my flight and my seat and just do it.

Trying to act as if I were a pro at flying worked well, until take off. Thankfully,
the woman sitting next to me was very understanding when I grabbed her hand
tightly, not letting go for at least 10 minutes. During this time, my 'new found
friend' patted my hand while whispering, "It's ok. You're doing fine". I believe
she was relieved when I finally felt comfortable enough to let go.

Two and one half hours later, we were preparing to land. I was thrilled that my
'new friend' just took my hand before I had the chance to grab it on my own.
(So much for big girl panties!!).

While Zoraida sat on 'the bench' in front of City Hall waiting for my arrival, my
Brother in Law Vinny was picking me up at Newark Airport and driving me to
Hoboken. Vinny parked on Washington Street and as I exited his truck, there
was no mistaking the overwhelming sense of hospitality.

There sat Zoraida on
'The bench' and I shouted,
"Ola Mommy". She looked,
smiled, then stood and
hugged me.

All of Zoraida's "family of
friends" were also sitting on
the bench's. As Zoraida
introduced me to each of them,
they hugged me and welcomed
me.

After taking my luggage to
Zoraida's apartment, we
immediately went back
outside to sit on 'the bench'.
That was what I wanted to
do, even if it was for just a
moment.

I looked for 'the bench'.
It was a special bench. It
was the one that Pop sat on
everyday. It was the one that
Mayor Roberts and City Clerk
James Farina dedicated to
Pop in his honor.