It was sad, but not surprising, to read the headlines this morning about the sudden retirement of New Orleans Inspector General Bob Cerasoli. I spoke with Bob on Tuesday after his interview with Eric Asher on WIST. He sounded tired, defeated and I felt the need to reach out to him. I told him that my family was here for him if he needed anything and that we supported whatever decision he made because life is too short! I was really feeling that on that particular day as the previous day I attended the funeral of a young hero laid to rest prematurely. He told me he appreciated my call but he could not discuss much right now and would call me at a later date when he could. I assured him he owed me no explanations but he insisted he would call me at a later date. We talked about my friend and fellow blogger Boston Maggie (he had read and commented on her blog before) and I explained how she was struggling with cancer but that her positive attitude will keep her going. I knew then, that his tenure would soon be over.

In the article this morning was the following passage was included,

His Blackberry buzzed with an e-mail: “Don’t give up — we need you.” It came from a person he had met once, and who had no inkling of Cerasoli’s predicament, or the emotional wallop her message would deliver.

Now I’m not sure if that was me, but it sure could have been. I was saddened to read how lonely and isolated he felt during his time here. On more than one occasion I invited him for outings with the Perry Gang, but he kindly refused. Maybe this was due to time constraints or maybe to avoid putting himself in a potential awkward situation.

When I became involved with the recall of my Mayor, Bob was the first person I reached out to. He told me he was proud of me because I was fighting the good fight and to proceed with caution. Bob made sure his number was on my speed dial in case I ever needed him, that was reassuring to both myself and my husband. That put him even higher on a pedestal for me!

On April 26, 2008,I had the pleasure of having Bob Cerasoli as a guest in studio on my second show. Bob first noticed my blog when I wrote a silly post about him and a botched interview with my father. I was honored to have such a “wicked smaht” and important guest while still a newbie. Bob grew up and still maintains residence in the same hometown as my mother Quincy, MA. I grew up about 20 minutes away from there in Randolph. When I met him, I felt like I knew him forever as his accent reminded me of home. His daughter Kacey also came on air and we played “pronounce the New Orleans words.” Both failed miserably!

Below is the comment I left on NOLA.com article this morning:

This is not about race, this is about a good man who chose to put his health first. We should all be happy he accomplished what he did in his short tenure and wish him best. Life is too short and he acknowledged that. Please redirect any racism and hateful comments to yourself and re-examine the type of person you are and want to be for the sake of the youth of this city who are our future!

Boston Maggie, he’s coming home now. Your turn to watch out for him. Godspeed my friend!

***Please tune in to my radio show each Saturday on WIST AM 690 from 9-10 AM central time.

One Reply to “Godspeed Bob Cerasoli”

  1. I too was sad to hear that the IG had decided to step down but completely understand his position. He was able to get the office established and not with out some obstacles to over come. I only hope that the office can keep the momentum going….Lord knows we need it! Wishing Bob all the best!

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