Notes to Jacqui: A Polio Survivor's Thoughts to His Daughter
()
About this ebook
For years I have wanted to immortalize my thoughts as a handbook for my loving daughter Jacqui. A true testament to humanity and the ability to overcome challenges. Having been a polio survivor being stricken in 1953 at 7 months old, I had to learn much about survival, caring, adapting, loving, leading, and so much more. As one of the younger survivors of polio (vaccine came out a few months after I contracted this deadly and crippling disease) I naturally learned quickly about "odds" and statistics; which is to say they're meaningless if you are the one who falls on the wrong side of probability!!!
I have survived many things in life and have achieved many things in life (polio survivors are known to be over achievers ... statistically of course). I have learned much along the way with both my successes and failures. The main thing I learned is how to beat the odds which turned out to be very simple; NEVER GIVE UP.
This book is a compilation of various notes I want my daughter Jacqui to remember even when I'm long gone. My style of writing is free flowing for easy reading and understanding. The chapters in the book have no particular order be it chronological or otherwise. Instead they are in the order of my mood and inspiration at the time I sat down at my keyboard. I write from the heart as I approach all things in my life. My brain shows me the options but my heart makes the decision. This has proved to be a very effective approach and has made me successful in many ways. I live by a concept that I always knew but the great motivator Anthony Robbins coined or immortalized the best phrase that describes it all: "Live with Passion."
So, buckle your seatbelts; put on your reading glasses; relax and enjoy. I waited and thought about this project for a long time so I hope you learn something and to my daughter, this is what I leave to you as the history of your dad and the "guide to life according to Pops."
Ronald A. Tomo BS MPA CCP CNA
Mr. Tomo has a lifetime of experiences that uniquely qualify him to write such a guide to life for his daughter, Jacqui, yet applicable to everyone. He survived a debillitating disease, Polio, which he contracted at 7 months of age and worked his way back from near death to become a rather talented and successful leader in the Healthcare IT Field. Along the way, Mr. Tomo studied at C.W. Post College where he received both a BS degree in Management and an MPA in Healthcare Administration. He also has certifications from NYU as a Systems Programmer and Analyst, LIU as a Paralegal, and Harvard where he studied Integrated Delivery Systems. Among the numerous accomplishments and paths Ron has been on, he has been a Rock 'n Roll Lead Vocalist, an ambulance driver, a college Adjunct Professor, held several positions in healthcare IT including his current position as Vice President and Chief Information Officer at a major Long Island Hospital. He also serves on the Advisory Board for the Computer Science Department of SUNY Farmingdale. He delivered one of the Keynote Addresses at their COCID Conference. Mr. Tomo speaks at various Radio Clubs and Professional Organizations. Mr. Tomo also is a ham radio operator (KE2UK) first licensed in 1967 and an expert in Disaster Communications. He was the recipient of the American Radio Relay League's (ARRL) 2010 International Humanitarian of the Year Award because of a lifetime of efforts in helping others through ham radio culminating in his Disaster Relief Mission to Haiti right after the 2010 deadly earthquake where Mr. Tomo set up emergency communications to several tent hospitals and helped operate the tent hospital at Bojeux Parc in Port-au-Prince. He also set up Digital Communications while in Haiti back to the US ARMY by running a WL2K PACTOR III HF Radio Station. Ron is also a Commander in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary where he also works in communications, public affairs, member training, and more. He has survived multiple surgeries including emergency spinal surgery in 2005 and has learned much about life through the countless diverse situations life has lead him to over the years. Ron lives in North Bellmore, NY with his wife, Cari, and his Mini Dachshund Emma. He has one child, Jacquelyn (Jacqui) to whom this book was written for in the hope that she finds it useful in her life's journey.
Related to Notes to Jacqui
Related ebooks
10 Foundations for a Meaningful Life (No Matter What's Happened) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGet to Know Your True Self Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDr. Mind Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBipolar from the Inside Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThis Is for You: Heal Your Life – Heal the World Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsWhacking Happiness A How-To Guide Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMaking Bipolar Lemonade: Random Observations From My Bipolar Life: Workings of a Bipolar Mind, #6 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsLife Gave Me Lemons, and I Made Champagne! Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Only Lesson Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsOvercoming Obstacles: When One Door Closes, Another One Opens Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRunning from Spiders Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings10 Steps to Creating your Dream Lifestyle Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMe, Kniest & Understanding: Embrace the life you gain, When you push through the pain. Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAddiction & Recovery Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Broken Survivor: A Tale about Surviving Physical, Mental, and Emotional Abuse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFinding Hope in the Afterlife: An Honest Account of My Spiritual Journey and Afterlife Research Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMy Story: A Christian Tale Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsChoice, Chance & Circumstance: Six Days to Your Heart’S Desire Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGod Drops In: Enjoying the Presence of God Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsExamined Lives Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsI Healed from My Past and so Can You: Living with a Secret Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsOut of the Fire and into the Pan Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMiracles Among Chaos: A Courageous Journey Through Childhood Abuse and Mental Illness Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDivine Intervention: A Happy Result of Pre-Praying Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Species Theory: Humans Are No Longer Hunted And Eaten So Stop Overreacting Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTwenty-Eight Journeys Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRecognizing a Gift from God: The Diary of an Ordinary Woman's Extraordinary Experiences Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEncounters: Beyond Logic Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsClear as Glass: A Mother's Journey of Letting Go Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Patient’S Point of View Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Personal Growth For You
Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Big Book of 30-Day Challenges: 60 Habit-Forming Programs to Live an Infinitely Better Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Alchemist: A Graphic Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Unfuck Your Brain: Using Science to Get Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-outs, and Triggers Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 5AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Source: The Secrets of the Universe, the Science of the Brain Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Personal Workbook Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Healing the Shame That Binds You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Mastery of Self: A Toltec Guide to Personal Freedom Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Self-Care for People with ADHD: 100+ Ways to Recharge, De-Stress, and Prioritize You! Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Road Less Traveled: A New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 5 Second Rule: Transform Your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Think and Grow Rich (Illustrated Edition): With linked Table of Contents Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5
Reviews for Notes to Jacqui
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
Notes to Jacqui - Ronald A. Tomo BS MPA CCP CNA
Contents
Dedications:
Preface
Note #1
We’ll Start at the Very Beginning
Note #2
Early Childhood Fear
Note #3
School Can Be Cruel
Note #4
Love Is A High Priority
Note # 5
Public Speaking is Critical to Success
Note #6
In 1967 I Found It
Note #7
A Little Help When You Need It
Note #8
Decisions, Decisions, Decisions
Note #9
Humor As A Drug
Note #10
You Can Learn A Lot In A Disaster
Note #11
Share Your Gift
Note #12
Paying It Forward
Note #13
Management
Note #14
Politics
Note #15
Volunteer
Note #16
Ruff Ruff
Note #17
Marriage
Note # 18
Your Health
Note #19
Never Forget Your Roots
Note #20
A Mother Is…
Note #21
Thinking On Your Feet
Note #22
Writing
Note #23
Be Happy
Note #24
Negotiation
NOTE #25
Fear Not The Thought Of Death
Note #26
How Much Do They Like You?
Note #27
Regrets
Note #28
Enjoy The Ride
Final Note To Jacqui
Thank You
Appendix 1
Pictures You Should
Always Remember Jacqui
Appendix 2
Quick Reference To All Notes
Appendix 3
Add Your Own Notes
PHOTO 1.JPGRon, Jacqui, & Cari Tomo
PHOTO 2.jpgCari & Jacqui in Rome
Dedications:
To my daughter Jacqui who inspired me to put these thoughts into words.
To all those who shaped my life and helped me understand and adapt to a world that can be both a beautiful and cruel place.
To my parents who saved my life.
To my wife Cari who has put up with me through many trials, tribulations, and rights of passage and also helped me find all the photos and assist in editing.
To Bob Laibach (RIP) who mentored me in the world of business.
To my four Dachshunds who loved me unconditionally (Erik, Xena, Elly Mae, & Emma)!!!
To my longtime friend and colleague Neil Brin whose untimely death at the age of only 59 was the final catalyst to get me to move on this project. Neil, I miss you every day and your quick wit and humor will never be forgotten.
PHOTO 3.jpgFather and Daughter
Dear Jacqui,
From the moment you entered the world, you changed my life forever. I could never be more proud of who you are and what you have accomplished. I wrote this book so you would never forget the many life lessons I have learned and want you to remember. Although this is for you Jacqui, I am also hoping my words can help others who have people that love them but never found the time or resources to get their wisdom passed onto them. Also, for all those who are not as fortunate or lucky to have a parent to help them try to find their way through this crazy thing called life.
There will come a point when I will be gone Jacqui although I am not planning on meeting my maker for quite some time. When that time comes, do not weep for me as I have had a full lifetime of amazing experiences and writing this book for you is so you can always keep my wisdom and ideas in your back pocket. I ask that if and when you have children, please pass this to them so they know who grandpa was and how much he loved you and wanted you to have these thoughts to live by and share.
Remember that I will love you unconditionally until I take my final breath and will support you however I can for as long as my heart beats. Read this book carefully and between the lines as there is a large part of my life and who I am in this piece of work I proudly present to you.
I wish you love, passion, and peace of mind throughout your life.
Love you for eternity,
Dad (aka Daddy, Pops, and at times $%^$$&@
)
The many faces of Dad
Preface
For years I have wanted to immortalize my thoughts as a handbook for my loving daughter Jacqui. Having been a polio survivor being stricken in 1953 at 7 months old, I had to learn much about survival, caring, adapting, loving, leading, and so much more. As one of the younger survivors of polio (vaccine came out a few months after I contracted this deadly and crippling disease) I naturally learned quickly about odds
and statistics; which is to say they’re meaningless if you are the one who falls on the wrong side of probability!!!
I have survived many things in life and have achieved many things in life (polio survivors are known to be over achievers …. statistically of course). I have learned much along the way with both my successes and failures. The main thing I learned is how to beat the odds which turned out to be very simple; NEVER GIVE UP.
This book is a compilation of various notes I want my daughter Jacqui to remember even when I’m long gone. My style of writing is free flowing for easy reading and understanding. The chapters in the book have no particular order be it chronological or otherwise. Instead they are in the order of my mood and inspiration at the time I sat down at my keyboard. I write from the heart as I approach all things in my life. My brain shows me the options but my heart makes the decision. This has proved to be a very effective approach and has made me successful in many ways. I live by a concept that I always knew but the great motivator Anthony Robbins coined or immortalized the best phrase that describes it all: Live with Passion.
So, buckle your seatbelts; put on your reading glasses; relax and enjoy. I waited and thought about this project for a long time so I hope you learn something and to my daughter, this is what I leave to you as the history of your dad and the guide to life according to Pops.
Ron in brace from Polio (1961)
Note #1
We’ll Start at the Very Beginning
They say that Love Birds were carriers of the disease known as polio. At 7 months of age, in 1953, my loving parents took my brother and me to a pet shop. I was an infant and they held me up next to the love birds’ cage. A week later I was fighting for my life. Back then, doctors came to the house. They insisted I had the flu yet ignored critical symptoms like inability to hold my head up; my right arm just dropping when