TORONTO – Later tonight, boxing aficionados and mothers about to give birth will celebrate the semi-centennial commemoration of resolve and grit that occurred fifty years ago. Males, mere mortals that we are, can only stand by and marvel with appreciation.
First, for those who do not remember, October 29, 1974 is a glorious day in the history of Heavy Weight boxing – George Forman absolutely pummel Muhammad Ali (he of “I am the greatest” fame, and victor at the Rome Olympics of 1960) only to suffer defeat at the fists of Ali. Both men secured their place in Athletic history. The match took place in [former] Zaire on the 30Th, but time differences put the bout in the Western Hemisphere’ 29th.
You guessed it; just as my wife was going into labour with our first born. He needed coaxing. The Gynecologist would not allow me to leave the room to check on Ali’s progress. Ali was the hero of every red-blooded young man of my generation. Our son was every bit as pugnacious, refusing to say good-bye to the only refuge he had known in the previous nine months.
Mirella (may she rest in peace) wanted everything to be exactly right for her princeling to be. We do not use expressions “a real mother hen”, but that is what she was to all her kids and grandkids. Naturally both families of grandparents held court in the ante room waiting for Luciano to “see the light”.
Things worked out well; eventually, Luciano met Sandra. Together they had two boys of their own: Gianluca and Stefano. They will all celebrate a happy 50th birthday together. Auguri di buon compleanno!
