My day started out early, and slowly. I am an early riser now in my November years. Thinking back to the 80's I would be getting home no earlier than three in the morning. I would spend at least three hours at Healy's Bar in the tough streets of the Bronx. I was younger, stronger, and a lot more aggressive. I would actually be looking for a confrontation on my nightly six block walk home. The thieves and crack heads read my body language and would shy away from me. I wonder now at least twenty years later if I would be so risque if I did not have scotch in my system.
When I did take a woman home for the night I would use a gypsy cab ride to my apartment.

And then there was that night. I had left the bar and proceeded across the street to a 24 hour restaurant and had to eat something greasy. I left the restaurant about 30 minutes later and began my trek home on foot. I had gone five blocks to my street when I felt sick to my stomach. Standing on the edge of the sidewalk, I managed to throw up all of the greasy food I had just consumed. 
Feeling better I walked up the hill to my apartment. Mr. Morris was there waiting for me as he always did. Mr. Morris was a black and white tabby given to me when he was a little kitten by my daughter Lisa. This night though he was not the only one waiting for me.

I had a visitor, a supreme visitor. I knew immediately who the visitor was. He was a man of medium height slim in build and with long hair down to his shoulders. He spoke in perfect english as he said to me have you had enough? I replied i do not know what you mean Mr. Jesus. I lied of course I knew what he meant. He also knew I was lying. I am going to give you one more chance to succeed Tony he said. But celibacy is involved. You no longer will be unchaste, you will not consume alcohol, and you will move from this sinful area. You will take Mr.Morris with you to the dryness of the barren desert. There Jesus said you will make amends from your sordid lifestyle. I said to Jesus of course my Lord. Jesus left my apartment by saying I will leave you now to ponder. But I will always be at your side.

From that point on I became a recovering alcoholic, and celibate.

And now in my final years I have repented and help others reach there full potential.

TONY MIKE NERONE

4-26-10