Astrodome

Astrodome, a photo by mrp1001 on Flickr.

The old Astrodome was once nicknamed the "Eighth Wonder of the World" and back in the late 80's, I started working part-time. At that time I was working in a bank and heard they needed some extra help for the upcoming rodeo. That first year I was sent to work in the Souvenir room some 3 or 4 floors below ground. I called it the dungeon then as it was always hot, dark and damp and there I was counting the money coming in from souvenir sales. It was hard work and lasted into the wee hours of the morning but towards the end of the night there was always Tony coming to ask, "how's my gal" doing? Thankfully, he'd lend a helping hand--otherwise I would've been there all night. I ended working some 10+ years off and on through college but thankfully got moved up a few floors to the other money room and Tony was my boss all those years. After I graduated from college, I was glad to say goodbye to that part-time job but over the years Tony & I remained friends. He was from New York & my roomate at the time was also from NY so there was a common bond there. Plus, he had no family here in Houston and so we'd meet once a month for breakfast and did so up until about two years ago when he became ill & ended up finally moving back to New York. This morning I got an email telling me of his passing at the age of 76. He had a series of strokes & other ailments and died Saturday morning. This morning as I was driving into work, I passed the old Astrodome & thought of Tony with tears welling up but as my friend said, "he's in a better place". This photo of the scoreboard brought back some fond memories & of an enduring friendship. Rest in Peace Tony. Thanks to mrp1001 for use of his photo.

BTW, one of the last events I worked at the Astrodome was the 1992 Republican convention. Tony chose me because he knew I was clean-meaning I would pass FBI clearance and was off that summer from college. I remember there were three checkpoints we had to go through with our work badges and such. It was something indeed to work and witness--despite political differences Tony and I had.