Success Story

AN OLD GUYS GUIDE TO SUCCESS IN LIFE, BUSINESS AND LOVE 

BY: AN OLD GUY 

As I reflect on my life it has come to me that many things have happened to create success in my life, business and in love, with the Fabulous One as she is known to me. 

Some of what will follow has been shared with me by wiser people, some, to my amazement has come from learning and study and some from my own experiences, aka the hard way.

My hope is this information will enhance your life, relationships and success and will act as a stimulus for you to create your own guide to success. 

SUCCESS IN LIFE -STARTS WITH THE FAMILY 

My Grandfather and Grandmother came to America in 1906. Recently the Fabulous One and I were in the harbor at Naples, Italy where they left from, As we wandered about I couldn’t help but think of these two young people from a small town in Southern Italy, with an infant daughter in their arms, getting ready to sail to America. Mike and Lucia Menito had to know there was no turning back. What was going through their minds, fear, anxiety, excitement, anticipation, hope?, I get goose bumps just trying to visualize them and the excitement that lie ahead. The Naples Harbor is huge and expansive, these kids were brave or a bit um-botz{ that’s crazy in Italian}.

Trying to put myself in their position gives me pause for thought, would I stay or would I go. Decisions today seem so monumental, buy or sell a house, change neighborhoods or jobs. What is the right thing to do? Can we afford it can we afford not to? Sometimes we worry so much about being wrong we forget we could be right. The invaluable lesson their story has taught me is to always believe in myself, set my sights high and go for it.

My Grandparents were not unlike yours’ or millions of other immigrants. Make it your business to get to Ellis Island in New York, experience it for yourself. Do the audio tour with the head sets and follow the stories. If you don’t have tears in your eyes and a sincere appreciation for the courage of your ancestors, I will be shocked. 

Grandpa worked as a laborer Grandma took care of the family? They had 10 children, 9 daughters and my Dad. My dad followed in his footsteps working hard and rising to be a plant manager. He was a gifted artist, but could not pursue a scholarship to the Art Institute. Grandpa and Grandma were the pillars which held our entire family up. We all gained strength from the pillars. Some Saturday evenings a group of my 50 first cousins{ the younger ones} stayed with Gram and Gramp. We watched wrestling on TV. Grandpa sat in his high back green chair smoking a Dago Rope, an Italian cigar. Grandma was on the edge of the couch hollering at the wrestlers, she was an avid wrestling fan. Us kids on the floor staying quiet, being part of the flock, hanging with the pillars. SWEET!