I am ever grateful to Frank Capra for providing me with moral guidance early on. It has served me well throughout my 73 years. Frank Capra was 6 years old when his family immigrated to our country with his family from Bisacquino, Sicily, Italy in 1903.
Frank grew to be one of Hollywood's best known, most awarded directors. His films seem to be timeless. His work with Jimmy Stewart is legendary.
Jefferson Smith and George Bailey are iconic characters that stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Don Quixote. They represent the full range of human uncertainty, fragility and strength.
I don't know where I would be now had I not been exposed to these and other fictional characters. They all served as role models for me. I don't know what inspired Capra, Stewart and Cervantes. I only know they managed to find their way into my psyche and be there for me when the chips were down.
Last year, a very old friend sent me a copy of "Law Man" by Shon Hopwood and said I needed to read it.
I have written about this old friend once before. His name is Frank and he is Grandpa in my June 24, 2017 post.
At the time I was in the middle of reading a book that was part of a stack of books I had on my night table. I wrote about my reading list on November 7, 2018.
Much as I love Frank, I was not about to insert a book that was unknown to me into my programmed reading. In fact, when I finished all the books on my list, I read Michelle Obama's "Becoming" and three Dave Barry books that my daughter had given me for birthday and Christmas presents. I read those for relaxation.
On February 11th of this year Frank and Barbara came to visit and spend a few days. I was not reading anything at the time. In anticipation of their visit, I figured I better at least begin "Law Man". I didn't want Frank busting my chops. That's Frank and Barbara sitting in the middle of the picture surrounded by their children and grandchildren at Frank's birthday last year.
As luck would have it, on the days Frank and Barbara visited, it rained. Frank and I spent most of the time sitting at the kitchen table. We talked and drank anisette. A good deal of our conversation concerned Donald Trump (idiota and criminale) and the mess we are in.
The home-cooked meals were wonderful. Kathy and Barbara got into their own things and Zachary and Zoey and Callie and Mocha got to run around like lunatics in the backyard. We did not discuss "Law Man" because Frank was talking about "Dangerous Minds". Frank was a special education teacher and a mason and that movie got into his head.
I'm not sure when I'll see Frank again. It could be soon, it could be a year. It could be never. We are getting to an age when nothing is guaranteed. He's three years older than I and mostly bald. Family is important to both of us. Good food is truly appreciated. Reminiscing about college and everything that has happened to us since is a given. Anisette is requisite.
So just who is Shon Hopwood and what kind of a name is Shon? Damned if I know. What I do know is that I am glad I got to read his book. I am thankful to him for sharing. I understand why his story resonated with Frank and I understand why it resonates with me.
I have no idea what Shon's politics are. I think I have an idea about his religious beliefs, but I may be way off. What I am sure about is that his story is important. It is especially important when we are talking about privatizing prisons, mandatory sentencing, education, jobs, health, and access to services. He also reminds me of Jefferson Smith and George Bailey - Jimmy Stewart's rendition. Just watch and listen to him.
So how does Don Quixote apply? Shon robbed five banks. He robbed five banks much the way I think Don Quixote might have. He's also on a quest. He's taking on our prison system. He just wants to reform it. That's all.
So here's to Shon. Help yourself. We tried Marie Brizard this year. Next year I think I'll get us some Meletti. Salute!
While we're discussing prison reform, I urge you to go to the pound and adopt a dog or two. You'll get the better end of that deal. Zach and Zoey say hi!
Holy Moly!
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