Hi Ridgefield. There is a special member of our community who needs our prayers.
Ridgefield sidewalks haven't seemed the same since Michael Nardone stopped walking them. You might know Mike as the walking man, Walking Mike, or the Ridgefield Walker.
This kind gentleman who is part of the fabric of our community has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, stage three.
His son wrote a beautiful note on behalf of his dad. "My father also wanted me to remind everyone to stay connected to the community, keep moving forward, and to remain positive in attitude, regardless of what life throws at you."
I’m writing this note on behalf of my father, Michael Nardone, who has become affectionately known as the ‘Ridgefield Walker’. While my family does not know many of you personally, we feel like we do - through the various stories my father has shared about his 20+ years of walking your quiet, beautiful streets.
As best I can remember, my father started running/walking in the sun, rain, cold and snow, some 60 years ago - and he’s never stopped. But it was his Ridgefield ‘journey’ that created the most enjoyment for him. He would often tell us that he was meeting the kindest people, who offered friendly waves and smiles. He shared stories of stopping along his routes to speak with everyone – sharing words of encouragement for their day ahead. He told us how much these seemingly simple interactions meant to him – saying hello to the children waiting for the school bus, cheering on the early morning joggers, and talking with neighbors picking up their mail about the various challenges of the day.
To be entirely honest, sometimes as a family, we didn’t really understand his ‘journey walking’ – maybe we were just too busy to listen, or didn’t really think it was all that meaningful to people. Then something happened – my father stopped walking. At first, we thought it was his heart valve, but then found out it was much worse. My father was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, stage three. As you can imagine, it’s been a whirlwind of activity, trying to sort out the best care and support, given this difficult diagnosis.
For those who have sent cards, expressed concern via Facebook, I want to personally thank you, on behalf of my father. Please know that he has read every card and note, and he is so thankful for each and every sentiment of support and encouragement. If he was able, he would have responded to all of you. Please accept this note as his personal thank you.
My father also wanted me to remind everyone to stay connected to the community, keep moving forward, and to remain positive in attitude, regardless of what life throws at you.
Thank you again for making my father, the Ridgefield Walker, feel so at home, in your special community.