When did you meet Mickey?
1989
Where did you meet him?
Atlanta, through Abby
Memory of Mickey
Let me preface this by saying I wish I had been able to spend more time with Dr. Nardo. I only met him on a few occasions spanning many years, and always when visiting with my dear friend Abby.
My first impression upon entering the Nardo’s wonderful Morningsde home was that of warmth, intelligence, and perhaps a bit of organized chaos. Dr. Nardo (I never really referred to him as ‘Mickey’) was probably sitting amongst stacks of books and papers, effortlessly smart and cool. He may have made me a bit nervous initially, as I can be amongst highly accomplished and brilliant people. I remember thinking that the old adage that messy people are usually very intelligent DEFINITELY applied in this case. (Abby, I think your bedroom was also fair game!). Despite the initial formalities, Abby and I either would hang out in her room chatting (plotting?) about the typical young life crises (boys, college, career choices, etc.) or depart for another venue to make the most of Abby’s brief visits to Atlanta. I regret I didn’t have more opportunities to linger at the house with Abby and her folks. I like to imagine the four of around a table, like the “salons” of old, discoursing about science, the arts, politics, and who knows what else. I’m sure Dr. Nardo would have routinely stumped me with his profound insights and inquiries but then again, I’ve always liked being in the company of people who are smarter and wittier than I am.
I thank Dr. Nardo and Sharon deeply for meshing their best qualities into Abby, a friend for life. We both grew up valuing family, education, self-reliance, questing for knowledge scientific or otherwise, and holding our love of music closest to our hearts. Dr. Nardo’s accomplishments as a scientist, medical provider, and general observer of life are indeed preserved on paper, but his finest contributions live on forever in his family and friends.