Re: BTO ...always lives!!!

That is a great story. Brendan would be proud of you. Your going to
get shot one day.

On Wed, Apr 25, 2012 at 8:42 PM, Douglas Flaherty
<douglas.flaherty@gmail.com> wrote:
> Brendan O'Toole
>
> He was many things in his short - way too short -lifetime!!
>
> He was a precocious child, a cut up, a star athlete, a mentor, a sounding
> board, a class clown, a terror, a jokester, an incredibly bright student and
> child, a person you could not fool, a voice of reason, a rabid fan of
> basketball, a ferocious and limitless defender of his family and anyone he
> loved, a ferocious and FEARLESS defender of the weak and the helpless, a
> soft soul, a tough cookie, a rebel, a boundless and amazing father, a loyal
> and beyond dependable brother and friend, a devoted and loving and committed
> son, a student of life, a well read and astute human being. The list is
> endless....
>
> Although we see written and hear it way too often...TRUST ME on this when I
> tell you....
>
> Brendan O'Toole was truly ONE OF A KIND!!
>
> But one thing he has never been accused of his whole life??
>
> Subtlety!!!
>
> Tonight I was rushing home after a late conference call and meeting.
>
> As I made my way through midtown to the train, a young lady stopped me in my
> tracks on Madison Avenue.
>
> She was no more than 25 years old and clearly from Europe given her
> seemingly Swedish accent.
>
> She wanted to get to Times Square but was not sure where it was in relation
> to our location.
>
> I explained where we were and said it was probably best to grab a taxi cab
> to her destination.
>
> I tried to hail a cab for her to no avail and explained to her how to spot
> an open cab.
>
> As we were trying, along comes a Pedicab!!
>
> Interestingly, as we both spotted the Pedicabber approaching, she had this
> look of fear, and shook her head violently that she was not interested in
> traveling with this gentleman on his 3 wheel chariot!!
>
> I sensed her blatant trepidation, and almost pre-warned, and as the
> Pedicabber launched into his pitch
>
> I interrupted him and asked him how much to Crowne Plaza Times Square for
> the lady?
>
> As prophesied by Brendan, this guy incredibly points to his sign of fares!!!
>
> Not a word ..and he was clearly American and spoke English!!
>
> Yet when asked how much he would charge he merely pointed to the
> ridiculously criminal sign of streets and avenues and stared at us!
>
> Well, Brendan may not be here physically but let me tell you he was more
> than present spiritually!!
>
> Possessed by BTO, I said to him:
>
> "Are you kidding me?". "Flat fee to Crowne Plaza . No bull shit ... No
> games."
>
> Well this clearly shook him up but he still had his game on!
>
> After looking at me like "WTF?" He says how much do you want to pay?"
>
> Inga from Sweden looks at me and clearly emboldened by our exchange, yet
> still skeptical whispers to me..
> $20...
>
> "10 dollars" I reply!!
>
> He looks at me again like WTF?
>
> So I say " my Bro in law drove a Pedicab and he would be pissed ay what you
> are pulling on this young lady."
>
> He says "who is your Bro in law?"
>
> I say simply "Brendan".
>
> He clearly knew BTO and clearly embarrassed he says to me, "I knew Brendan,
> he was the best"
>
> He then says to Inga, " $10 it is...plus tip...".  And flashes me a "come on
> Bro" look....
>
> She looks at me and I say it is a good price and tell her to tip him ONLY If
> he is good and does a good job.
>
> With a handshake I tell him to stop the pointing at the sign bullshit and be
> upfront with people. I told him to remember Brendan is watching him and to
> do the right thing!
>
> She jumps in the pedicab and they disappear!! She looks back with a wave and
> a smile and she may now trust the industry again - and spread the word!
>
> Brendan was many things, but he was never subtle and he is still telling us
> that he lived the last decade of his life fighting for justice and equity
> for his livelihood and WE NEED to fight for him now!!!
>
> Who else will do it for him but we who loved him??
>
> More to follow..
>
> Stay Strong!