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A Father's Gift

by Peter Fortini; Edited by Jean Patterson

139 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #04-0897; ISBN 1-4120-3070-6; US$16.50, C$18.00, EUR13.50, £9.50

A book to remind us that everyone, regardless of race, creed, religion or sexual persuasion, is a human being - one who can hurt, love, and fall into temptation...

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About the Book      About the Author      Excerpts      Catalogue Information

About the Book

A narrative of compassion, understanding and love - an account of the faith of parents who never admit to failure. Our story details the efforts of parents who, in spite of the hurt, disappointment, and frustration, prevailed in their self-imposed commitment to make certain that their son, who had been infected with the AIDS, would not be alone in his final hour. This narrative follows approximately 20 years of losing, searching for and finding their son - all in New York City, a city of approximately 9 to 10 million people. Twenty years - a period of hope and fear, but primarily filled with love.

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About the Author

The author was born in a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania and when approximately 9 years old, the family moved to New York City where he met and married Yolanda, his bride of 63 years. Two months after their marriage, Peter received an appointment with the United States Treasury Department. After serving 38 months in the European Theatre of Operations during World War II he returned to his employment with the government. Peter remained in the Armed Forces Reserve and retired as a Major in the US Air Force. Upon returning to his position with the government Peter attended Southeastern University, attending evening classes with a major in Accounting, and working days at his government position.

After graduating from Southeastern University Peter was transferred by the Treasury Department to New Haven, Connecticut. Upon completing 30 years of service Peter retired. During the last five years with the government, Peter, a Certified Public Accountant, received an appointment as Assistant Professor (Adjunct) in the School of Business, Quinnipiac University, Hamden, Connecticut, evening sections. After retiring from government service, he continued his teaching, but on a more expanded schedule during the day sessions at the university.

Peter would, on occasion, assist a friend who operated a private investigating firm - Peter was involved as a financial consultant. Here again, after 30 years of teaching, he retired - but not completely because he continued his teaching activity in the capacity of a tutor to freshman students, which activity he only recently discontinued.

Yolanda and Peter had only one child, Ronald, the subject of this narrative.

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Excerpts

YOU MIGHT ASK -why are you writing this book? It seems like a simple question, right? But a good one. It's been nine years since my son passed away. Yes, the years pass on, but the searing flame in the pit of my stomach is ever present. I thought, "Peter, the pain is there, but maybe it can be made bearable - get it out of your system!" I believe that my writing of the events of our life will help me to come to terms with the loss we feel and to bring closure.

That, my friends, was the initial motivation for this writing. Members of our family and close friends were aware of the situation with our son. Their support and encouraging words of comfort and offers of assistance were not only welcomed, but also greatly appreciated. But the details of our experiences were never discussed with our family and friends and I thought that this story could serve as a way to "clear the air", so to speak. I firmly believe that their patience and understanding of our life's experiences entitles them to this story.

My wife and I have gone through countless sleepless nights, empty holidays and "gray days." Perhaps many, many parents have had the same experiences. We were worried; no, not worried. We were scared that our son, who had become infected with that dreadful disease, AIDS, would be alone, hurting, with no loved ones near to console and help him through his last days.

We have been "through the mill," so to speak. We have seen the effects of that sickness on the human body. And we have seen the silent pleas for comfort and assistance as reflected in the eyes of the afflicted. Another question you might raise is -why subject yourselves to the burden, the hurt and the disappointments you will read about here? I can only answer you in one word -Love. I also hope that this account of our story, complicated as it is, will encourage other families and friends to give serious thoughts to extending solace and support to those who find themselves in need such as our son did. Show your love and do everything and anything possible to assure your loved one will not be, or die alone.

I dedicate this narrative to my wife, Yolanda, whose love, strength, compassion and encouragement were the cables that supported the "bridge of time" that span the years in this tale.

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Catalogue Information

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