The Path Not Taken

We all wonder who we would have been had we followed another path. Better luck, worse choices, a winning ticket...whatever. 

The Italian traditions for naming sons usually result in a room full of Tony/s, Mario/s, or Sal/s. But, somehow, that didn’t happen with me. I’m the only Philip on either side of the family and there aren’t many Teresis running around, period. 

The other Philip Teresi I know is an old motorcycle enthusiast in New York. Our initial introduction came by way of an errant invoice for some radio equipment that’s not at all what I’d use in commercial broadcasting...this was more in line with setting up radar. 

I called the number attached to “my” name and got to know a little about life on the other side of the continent. I also learned that he had been in construction most of his life, was fully entitled to wear a certain set of Red & White rockers on his leathers, and that our opinion of The Sopranos was more or less the same (best thing on TV up until Breaking Bad came along). 

Today he called to follow up on a legal matter. Without getting into his business, somebody at a firm he had engaged added an extra “.” to his email address...the difference in our addresses. I tried calling the firm, but was met with a receptionist who clearly did not understand the rules of confidentiality. So, I emailed the group, added Philip’s address, and made it clear that they need to update their records (and possibly staff training). 

Philip is a much tougher man than I am, he’s also quicker to laugh off the small stuff. I don’t know every detail of the man’s life, but I know that if I’m ever in New York I’d like to buy the guy a beer and hear some stories from the road he’s traveled. I don’t know that we’ll agree on much, but it seems like a good place to start that thought experiment: Do you share anything else with the people around the country who share your name? Have you connected with the other “yous” on Facebook? 

Okay, enough stalling. I’m supposed to be getting ready for a show, but I had to let myself wander for a second... 

Stay Weird