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5.5 x 8.5 Paperback |
ISBN: 9781432707439 |
$12.95 |
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Genre: |
SELF-HELP / Motivational & Inspirational |
Publication: |
Aug 10, 2007 |
Pages: |
168 |
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I think sometimes about images that display different moments in time. Times when I wondered how someone could live with his or her particular “minor inconvenience.” (Physical Challenge) Tony Lombardo
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Tony Lombardo wanted to write his life story. He mentioned this goal in passing to a friend. The friend was a relative of mine who had heard about my first book, In The Forest By The Light Of Day. She called me at home. We spoke about her friend Tony, wondering if I might be interested in working with him on a book, as he is afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
At first I considered the request an impossible task since I knew very little about MS. I called Tony on the phone and was immediately impressed with the vibrant manner by which he expressed himself. He informed me he had attempted to write his story on several occasions, but he needed help. After the first conversation, I felt compelled to put my thoughts on paper.
How could I attempt to write someone’s story having never experienced the limitations of a chronic disorder? While sitting in my yard looking at my children playing, the answer came to me. I pictured myself unable to hug my children. I pictured myself unable to do the things I take for granted on a daily basis. I put together a short piece on how this made me feel and sent it to Tony. He called back immediately and informed my wife I was on the right track.
We began communicating via phone and fax. We wanted to meet face-to-face, but my new job and responsibilities as well as Tony’s personal endeavors kept us apart.
The story was unfolding without our ever having met face to face. In phone conversations, we discussed the different emotions and experiences associated with his “minor inconvenience.” He explained to me that the reason why he looks upon MS as such is because, although any chronic disorder is obviously a major disruption in anyone’s life, Tony feels you must look upon it with a “no big deal” attitude. Above all, Tony’s positive
attitude and sense of humor remain a source of constant inspiration. I discovered the only way to write Tony’s story was to tell it through his eyes. As I read his notes and listened to him on the phone, I was able to continue to find more and more ways to keep the book flowing. Writing in the first person, as if the trials and tribulations of Tony’s life were my own, proved to be a challenge I was not sure I would be able to meet.
The answers came while discussing his memories and ideas. They also came when Tony opened up about his love for music.
The mold had been cast and we were on our way. I thought of John Lennon’s song “Crippled Inside,” realizing we are all indeed trying to hide pieces of ourselves. These pieces require us all to slow down and learn to ask others for help and understanding. At other times, these pieces require us to stand-alone and face the music.
There are hundreds of books written every year depicting the struggles of many individuals. These books tell the stories of how each person deals with their challenge in life. The various experiences shared in these books represent the problems anyone might eventually encounter in their own lifetime.
These stories tell about the loss of a loved one, or the loss of financial security. Some tell about the accidents or the horrors of war. The stories cover journeys from the perspective of youth to the declining years in one’s life. Each story seeks to share the writer’s struggle and the ways and means they came to terms with their predicament or situation.
Marketing such stories can be difficult. In many ways only a small core audience in a similar situation can identify with the concept. Still, there are many times when someone’s life story reaches beyond the core audience and inspires us to embrace life as a celebration. Such is the way I learned to approach the story of my friend Tony Lombardo.
We welcome your comments and thank you for any interest on both sides of the fence.
You can reach Tony Lombardo and Craig Schwab by sending an email to OnBothSidesOfTheFence@hotmail.com
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About Tony Lombardo and Craig Schwab
Craig Schwab is the author of "In The Forest By The Light Of Day" a book of essays and short stories about his hometown in Glendale, New York. He is currently working on his next book, a novel entitled The Chronicles of Unanswered Whispers, a coming-of-age story paying homage to one of his musical heroes, Louis Armstrong.
Tony lives with his wife and children in New Jersey. Despite being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 28, he continues to champion the cause for all individuals with chronic disorders.
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