Sunday, January 16, 2005

Sunday Morning

Good morning. It’s been a while since I wrote freely. Or, for awhile in general. We had thought that until we had caught up on our work at work, we could not afford time to be doing the journals. But, I miss it too much. And, although I could still be working at that work stuff ... it’s a Sunday within hours of Philly/Viking game and we’re a little too excited to be focusing on the hard stuff. God save our soul...

V says that there were people out tailgating in Philly since before 6 am this morning. Really made me feel like we should be lookin for a beer and steak. Eh, this be a dry house of late. Watching the piggy bank. But, there is news regarding financial expenditures this week. We decided finally to get cable. YAY!! Just got the basic service, but finding that it is pretty cool. Seems kind of silly to have been complaining about TV when all we were watching was network TV. *Sigh*

We’ll see in the long run if we can continue to afford it. Feels like I’m on the brink of leaving the low income to moderate income bracket to be affording cable. But, then there’s the realization that there is plenty of poor people who manage to afford cable. All is a matter of priority.

We’ve got really nothing critical to be saying of our life. Just some fluffy stuff. Been appreciating football a lot. Four out of the last six games our favorite team has one. But, I disqualify my talent in choosing teams. We’re still most often to pick teams due to our favorite Jerseys/helmets. Eh, we reserve the right to act female. Apology to those hard line girls who can keep up with the game.

Today we’re choosing the Eagles and the Patriots. We used to be a Vikings fan coming from MN, but the ties have died. Hmm, they are talking about Randy Moss on ESPN now. Have to admit he is a bit of a distraction. Thing is he’s still a great ball player and each adds their own unique element to the game. Let it go ... just stop making it a controversy.

Hmm, now they’re talking of Peyton Manning. They’re saying he is going to have to work hard to get to the Super Bowl, but they seem to like him pretty much. Seems like a mental battle to me. Don’t know much of his team. This is all pretty much new to me.

We saw a little a bit of the game with our friend yesterday. He didn’t seem as excited as we were. Think it was cuz he was getting his tummy rubbed. Hmm. Remember that next time. So much for getting some of our "deep" football questions answered.

Shoot, we’re being really distracted now ... keep turning around to watch the football entries. Wish I could say why. The first thought was that it was nice to hear the masculine voices in the house ... and I’m definitely not against a good derriere. Ahh McNab ... he sounds like a nice guy. With or without Terrel Owens. Figure Owens is like a ghost and if they get the ghost off the field they can make room for a new super star.

We moved our computer so that our back wasn’t lined up to the TV. I guess this big cable change means sharing our attention. I found a really nice site last week on the computer from NBA. They publish a depth screen showing all the different positions and players on both teams. That seemed to help us understand quite a bit.

Hmm, didn’t realize that ... whoever wins this one goes on to play Atlantic Falcons. Really liked their running game yesterday. Never seen something like that before. Ahh just seconds away now ... better refresh my drink. Get some ice water too!

Yeeks gottsta go!

Sunday, January 2, 2005

Rembrandt Street - Chapter 9

Fighting the Right Fights

The walk to Lieutenant Snow’s apartment was short and brisk, but gave Mr. Willobee a chance to think about his neighborhood. All of the apartments on the block had been built by the same developer. They had been built in the 40's and had survived the urban renewal program that was raging the community. Housing had been hard to come to by because so many families and especially business owners were being put out due to the demolition of whole blocks. The costs had skyrocketed due to the shortage of homes.

Mr. Willobee held political positions of thought. While he didn’t want to put his family in danger, due to violence that was in the news, he’d been raised to understand people from the inside out and his education was heavily supported by the work of humanism done at Menninger’s Clinic in Wichita Kansas. In his classes at the University, he taught tolerance for the differences in others and communication in general.

He knew that some people had strong opinions of his University sprawling out through the community. It had been said, they were trying to establish for themselves a self serving island. He had kept up on the news of how many businesses were being closed down by the University. He was aware of the struggle from the parks to maintain their presence despite developers and he was aware of the communities fear of riots.

For a moment, Mr. Willobee just stood in front of the Snow’s apartment. He was preoccupied in his thoughts and he had neglected to frame his approach to Lieutenant Snow. Lieutenant Snow opened the door without Mr. Willobee having to knock. "Dr. Willobee, is it?" asked Lieutenant Snow, extending his hand.

Mr. Willobee responded by grasping the extended hand with a firm shake. "Yes, but please call me Robert. No one at the University is addressed this formally."

"Thank you" said Lieutenant Snow, "You may call me Carl. Come in, come in."

"Nice of you to allow me in with such short notice Carl."

"This wasn’t a problem," said the Lieutenant, "I understand that something happened while my daughter was at your place today. Here come sit in the living room, would you care for a beer?"

"No, no thank you, said Mr. Willobee I don’t want to interrupt your Saturday."

"No problem, I’m glad to meet one of my new neighbors."

The two men sat down in the living room. Mr. Willobee stated, "Let me get directly to the problem."

"Yes, please do that. I’ve heard of Alice talking favorably of the new girls she has met. They have given her a warm welcome."

"Yes, I would hope for that," chuckled Mr. Willobee. He then added more seriously, there was a problem today though. We’ve just in the last two weeks had another family move in underneath our apartment. Today, while the girls were in the rec-room down in the basement the Johnston’s grandfather had come down without the girls knowledge. Alice stumbled into him on the other side of the rec-room and he had been urinating in a floor drain. I’m afraid Alice saw this and was quite startled."

"What?" said lieutenant Snow. What kind of imbecile is he?"

"I’m not sure of the nature of his problems," said Mr. Willobee "We hadn’t had much contact with the Johnston’s family. They aren’t very social and they keep fairly busy with their work schedules. There is a mother and father, her parents and two girls seven and one."

"My God. This nut has children in the home and he doesn’t know any better?" Mr. Willobee could see that Lieutenant Snow was clearly upset. "Have you done anything so far about it?

"I’ve tried knocking on their door, but nobody has answered. I will try again when I go back. I’m hoping they’ll be in for dinner. I thought I should let you know though. I’m afraid I don’t know how it has affected Alice."

"Well, thank you for that." said Lieutenant Snow. "Alice hasn’t mentioned this to her mother or myself yet. I will talk to her directly."

"Good, good." answered Mr. Willobee.

"What do you plan to do with this Robert?" asked Lieutenant Snow. I could see the man brought up on charges of indecency with one call."

I’d like to hold off on that for the moment, although I will follow a sterner course if I don’t get the proper response. I would like to talk to him or the family first. I also have the option of talking to the building’s owner. I’m fairly sure, he wouldn’t put up with this kind of thing, but I’m thinking of that as a lower option which I would like to avoid."

"Good, Good," answered Lieutenant Snow. "I see your on top of this! I’ve run into this kind of guy before," continued Lieutenant Snow. "Of course I don’t want to jump to any conclusions, but you can’t be too careful around kids."

"No, of course, I completely agree," responded Mr. Willobee. "I’ll make sure of course it doesn’t happen again."

"How do you plan on doing that?" Asked Lieutenant Snow.

"I’ll request that he be more aware of the negative influence of his behavior on the girls and not further intimidate them. That would seem reasonable enough."

"You could back that up with support from me, if you would like," reiterated Lieutenant Snow.

"Fine, I hope it doesn’t come to needing tactics that were more strong arm. I really believe this was just a mistake and can be worked out."

"You’ve got more patience than me," said the Lieutenant, but I’m willing to give it a try. Say, has this block started a block group yet?"

"No, no it hasn’t, but I understand many the other blocks have."

"Yes," said the Lieutenant, "the Police Department has been supporting the efforts of the block groups to work together in prevention of local crime. How do you think Rembrandt Street would respond?"

"Well," Mr. Willobee said, "It’s been a real good block for the 13 years we’ve been here. Crime hasn’t been too much of a problem. People get together over the fences and talk with one another. Kids get along and often play in front of the buildings."

"Yes, I noticed this. It was one of the reasons I was attracted to this block."

"Let me talk with my wife," said, Mr. Willobee, "she has more a handle on the block’s pulse. She has made quite a few friends over the years. Often my work keeps me more busy than it should, but I’d would be glad to support positive communication. I’ll get back to you Carl," he stated as he stood to leave.

"I’m glad I have had the chance to meet you Robert. Let me know on that other matter if there is any way I can help." The men stood up and shook hands and Mr. Willobee left. Mr. Willobee had a good sense from the meeting as had Lieutenant Snow.

Mr. Willobee had tried knocking again on the Johnston’s door before returning to his own home. This time he had been met by Mrs. Johnston. She had asked Mr. Willobee to wait for her husband’s arrival just after 8 pm. Mr. Willobee thanked her after giving the message that Mr. Johnston should come upstairs to talk with him.

He was grateful to be back in his own home after he’d entered and shut the door. By the sounds coming from the kitchen, it sounded as if everyone including Phil was home. He was reassured by hearing their happy noises. Cathy and Megan came quickly from the kitchen after hearing the door shut. Excitedly they repeated the words, "Daddy, daddy is home!" Mr. Willobee gathered them and gave them hugs.

"How are the happiest girls in the world?"

"Daddy, Daddy, we missed you!" exclaimed Cathy.

"Me too, me too!" added Megan. ‘Guess what, Guess what? Phil is staying for dinner!"

"Terrific!" exclaimed Mr. Willobee. He could smell steak and potatoes coming from the kitchen. It was a tradition on Saturdays to eat well. Mr. Willobee entered the kitchen led by Cathy and Megan. Greetings were exchanged by all. Phil stood up to shake his hands with Mr. Willobee.

"I hope you don’t mind sir. I’ve been invited to join you for dinner."

"Of course not Phil, you are always welcome at our house. He teased, "At long as you don’t take my chair!"

Phil laughed, "... wouldn’t dream of it sir!"

After he deposited his coat in the mud room, Mr. Willobee came back to put his arms around Mrs. Willobee who was just finishing up on the details of dinner. The table had been set in the kitchen and there was a warm flow of chatter. Mrs. Willobee laughed and applauded her husband for always knowing when dinner was about to be served. You know, He said, "I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to taste your cooking dear!"

She laughed, but then added, "You will be especially treated tomorrow, Cathy is working on one of her badges, so will be making Sunday Meatloaf!"

Cathy heard her name mentioned and giggled, "Yes, Daddy, I am going to make the whole meal by myself."

"Wonderful pumpkin! I will be here bright and early! Are we having dessert also?"

"We’ll be having meatloaf, potatoes, mama’s special jello/ice cream, and a pumpkin pie!"

Phil groaned, "I’ve come to the wrong meal!"

The group laughed, and Cathy asked, "Can Phil come tomorrow night too?"

Phil said, "No, not tomorrow Cathy. I don’t want to wear out my welcome."

"Awe" Margret said, "You are always welcome here Phil."

Phil laughed, "that’s because I don’t eat you out of house and home!" Again the group laughed.

Mr. Willobee sat down in his chair at the head of the table. Mrs. Willobee took out the steak that had been warming in the oven with the potatoes. Margret got up to help with the toast and E’beth went to the refrigerator to claim the tossed salad that had been waiting. She had helped cut the vegetables and was particularly proud of how bright and colorful it looked. E’beth’s confidence in her kitchen abilities had been spurred by her afternoon spent in her special meeting.

The family prayed, "Come Lord Jesus, be our guest. Let this food to us be blessed. Amen." The food in the center of the table was picked up and passed to the right. The traditions in the family had been well established.

Cathy was excited to tell her family about what had happened at the hospital. She said, that she had fed an older woman who hadn’t the use of her hands. At first it had made her sad, but the woman was so nice, she had forgotten to be sad. They had talked about having sisters and it turned out that this woman had eight of them! There were also 2 boys. The woman had said, that three of her siblings had already died and she was sad about that, but she was proud the family had continued to be close and the remaining eight siblings spent holidays corresponding with each other. Cathy concluded in a stumbly way. "Not everyone in the hospital has happy stories, but I’m glad when the nurses trust me with one of the patients. It makes me so happy!"

Each of the members at the table listened carefully as the story was being told. Mrs. Willobee told her daughter how proud she was that Cathy had extended her love to people at the hospital. Mrs. Willobee encouraged Cathy to continue listening to stories. Margret also thought proudly of her sister’s sensitivity to others. Margret said, "It will probably be on tonight’s news, but Phil and I heard of something on the radio about our neighborhood."

She said that seven people at Jacob’s Park on the southeast end of town had chained their selves to trees to protest the city wanting to cut them down due to the new expressway. She reported that the police had cut through the chains and the people had ended up in jail. Phil added, that sometimes you have to stand up for what you believe in, no matter what the result.

Mr. Willobee asked, "No matter what? What happens if it impacted your life negatively."

Phil asked, "What do you mean?"

Mr. Willobee said, "If it had been you and Margret arrested, it could affect their status with the University."

Phil questioned, "Do you mean that you disapprove?"

Mr. Willobee chuckled and said, "No. That’s not what I mean. It’s just that everyone has battles and sometimes you have to sacrifice some of the battles to win the war and sometimes you must fight the fight, but either way there would be consequences

"But, that’s what I mean sir. Take the war now going on in Viet Nam. Personally, I’m not so sure what they are fighting about. What if I decided that was a battle I wasn’t interested in?"

Mr. Willobee smiled and said, "Good question. A lot of the kids on campus obviously agree with you and are protesting as well. Yet, there are others who volunteer without hesitation. Each picks his or her battles. There was once a wise Indian Chief named, "Geronimo" who said each day, "Today, is a good day to die."

E’beth interrupted, "You mean Geronimo wanted to die?"

Mr. Willoebee said, "No, he wanted to live very much, but he had decided that each day, each moment was as important as the next and he would put himself into whatever it took to support the life of those he served. He stood up for all his beliefs."

Margret said, "I don’t understand daddy. Do you mean that it is a good idea to stand up for what you believe in or not?"

Mr. Willobee said, "That is up for you to decide. Since you only have one life, you have to be sure you don’t become involved in something frivolous. But, when it was the right battle, you will know and give it 110%. The battle is your life and each battle should be the battle of your life."

"Sir, have you ever felt something so strongly you would fight for it with your life?"

Mr. Willobee finished his meal and placed his napkin on top of his plate. Yes Phil, almost every day. There are many things I fight for. But, fortunately my life has of yet not been compromised by proximity to death.  What I mean by that is that no one has told me I would have to give up some of my safety to worship God, or love my family, or choose the career that makes sense to me.  WWII and the draft had ended just at the time I became of age."

Phil asked, "But what happened you were told you had to go fight a battle that wasn’t yours?"

"I’m not sure Phil. It is interesting that you have decided this battle isn't yours.  I don’t believe in violence, and I won’t be asked to serve because I’m past the age of young men they are looking for. So in the enlistment sense, it is not directly my battle. But, indirectly I can affect change. I’ve often thought of you and felt respect for you in that the question could be asked of you. Could you say you know what you would do, until the question was asked officially?  Have you given yourself the opportunity to understand fully both sides of the question?

"No sir, I’m not sure. I think of it often, but I’m in a state of confusion about it. I have plans to serve the local community. But, I may be asked to serve people in another country who I don’t know. I can only hope I’ll make the right decision if and when I am asked."

"Good Phil. That’s all that I or anyone should ask of you. You’ve got a good conscious awareness of your changing personal and social roles."

There was a silence for a moment as each thought his or her thoughts. Megan was the first to interrupt the silence. She said, "Daddy, can I fight for something too?"

Mr. Willobee again chuckled. "I’m not sure princess do you want to fight for something?"

"I would fight somebody if they hurt Cathy, or E’beth, or Margret!"

"That’s interesting," said Mr. Willobee, "but what happened if I told you that all of your sisters need to fight their own battles."

"Don’t you think they would want my help daddy?"

"It depends, what you mean by help," said Mr. Willowbee, "maybe the best help would be to stay safe and happy so they wouldn’t worry about you getting hurt."

"But I wouldn’t be happy if someone were hurting them."

"But, do you love them?"

"Oh Daddy, of course I love them!"

"Ahh, then you are already helping them! Nothing is more important or supportive than love. Can you remember that?"

"Yes daddy, cuz I love everybody."

Mr. Willobee grinned, "And even kitties?"

"Especially kitties!"

"That’s my girl!" said Mr. Willbee that’s all I can ask. The best battles are to love everyone the best you can despite all the differences our lives present."

"Mrs. Willobee loved the table discussion, but figured that it was time to ask, "Is anyone interested in dessert?" There was cheers for dessert. Everyone especially enjoyed Mrs. Willobee’s desserts. She got up and went to the refrigerator and brought out a lemon cake. The families delight was evident in the excitement in the air. Margret got up to get more milk. Does anyone else want more milk?"

Cathy asked, "What about you Mama? What would you fight for?"

Mrs. Willobee was cutting the cake and putting it on plates to be passed, but she paused a moment to answer. "I’m very much in agreement with your father. I would fight for the things he does and I find every week time to fight for the honor of the people I work with."

"But how do you fight Mama?"

"Well, Cathy," she said, "Sometimes things happen to people that don’t seem fair. Just like today when you helped the older woman. It might not seem fair she couldn’t use her hands, but you fought for her when you helped her to eat."

"I did?" asked Cathy.

"Yes dear. Just because she didn’t have use of her hands didn’t mean she didn’t have the right to eat and be nourished. So, in a sense you fought for her honor and right to survive."

"Wow!" Cathy exclaimed, "I think I understand now!"

"So, when you are helping people that can’t help themselves you are fighting for them?"

"That’s true," said Mr. Willobee.

E’beth then asked, "What about Silver Daddy?"

"What about Silver Dear?" asked Mr. Willobee.

"Well, its not so fair she has a very creepy grandpa."

"What do you mean E’beth? Do you think he’s creepy?" asked Margret curiously.

E’beth confessed, "Today he was. He was down in the basement after we’d gotten there after skating and he was mad at us for accidently moving his stuff."

"What did he say," asked Margret.

"I guess its not so much what he said, but how he said it. It felt dangerous like he could get real mad.

Mrs. Willobee said, "I’m glad you trusted your senses, but maybe its just that we don’t know his ways yet. It wouldn’t be right to judge him according to just one bad meeting. His behavior was wrong, but not necessarily is he a bad person."

"I know that Mama" said E’beth, "But, I don’t think I’d want to get to know him better and I was sure glad he wasn’t my grandpa."

Mr. Willobee said, "I think that the Silver probably has a different life than you and your sisters. Maybe she would be interested in joining the scouts?"

Cathy exclaimed, "That would be a super idea Daddy, she would be in Megan’s Brownie Troop."

Megan’s eyes lit up. "She could Daddy?"

"It wouldn’t hurt to ask. I will talk to Mr. Johnston tonight. I’ll ask if scouting is something the family would be interested in."