I am sorry that I could not get this to Phil in time for last week, I would have been honored to have my words about John Thomas shown earlier than planned.
I still cannot believe that I will never speak to him again. His soothing voice was always welcome to me, whether it was over the telephone or in person. While his accent was always evident, whenever he would speak in my tongue I would melt.
Though I would have followed him anywhere, would he have allowed me, our wanderings though my home town of Milan always reminded me of how lucky I was to live here.
Someday I will have a memorial erected to John Thomas that will stand in La Scala, where we would always view the opera.
I say “Ciao” to you today John Thomas.
I am sure that when I pass that I will be able to say it to you again.