Thursday, April 6, 2017

At this time there was not nobody praying to nobody ...but there were enough rituals, yet barely anyone praying. They had prayed years ago, but the city had gotten so bad, they felt no one had heard their prayers, so why pray?? And their prayers hadn't been selfish prayers either. They had prayed for their children ...that they'd be able to grow up right, or just grow up at all. There had been too many funerals for their children, and most people were like Clarissa ...not believing that prayers made a difference.

Clarissa visits her Mom at the nursing home.

The nurse on duty approaches her, "Hi, Clarissa ...how are you doing today?"

Clarissa tries to smile, but doesn't quite achieve it, as she knows what the nurse is referring to.

The nurse adds, "I know what it's like.  The pain will never go away, we just have to deal with it.  I'm sure it has been one long difficult year for you.  I still feel the sting of it, and it's been five years for me ...but, it doesn't matter whether it's fifty years, I'll never get over it.  I know it's been worse for you ...he was your only child, wasn't he?"

Clarissa nods.

The nurse touches Clarissa's shoulder gently, "I know it's a bit easier for me, because I still have another child ...but, there are times I wish I hadn't.  The worrying, and the constant fear is maddening ...and I see it in his eyes too.  What can I tell him ...that there is hope out there, that things will be okay?"

Speech is difficult, but Clarissa manages to speak, "There is no hope out there.  Mom used to sit at home, and think that if she just prayed, things would get better.  But, things never got better ...and look at her, she just sits there, and she's getting worse."

The nurse does not disagree, "I know ...and the best any of us can do, is share our sorrows."

Clarissa chokes out the words, "Mom's God doesn't hear her prayers ...it's getting worse out there.  I suppose this may be one of he only safe places around.  So, Mom can just sit there, ignore the world that we have to live in ...and have her bit of peace.  I guess she deserves it.  She did the best she could in raising me. She just began to drive me crazy, making me feel guilty because I wouldn't pray with her.  How can I ask for something back that I've lost?  It's not like I lost a bracelet, or my purse ...no one is going to suddenly knock on the door, and return my child."

The nurse hugs her shoulder.

Clarissa cries, "Mom used to tell me that Darin is alive in her heart.  It may work for her, but Darin is not alive ...and I barely feel alive myself."

The nurse nods, "I'll tell your Mom that you are here."

Clarissa quickly replies, "No, that's okay ...I'll go over to her. If she doesn't acknowledge that I'm here, then perhaps I'm not. Does she ever speak anymore?"

The nurse wants to provide some comfort, but the truth has to be told, "She just sits there, and stares ...all the day long.  Yet, every day after lunch she wheels herself over to that pay phone ...and I've been meaning to check it, I don't think it works. But, that doesn't matter to her ...she holds it to her ear, and she actually says something into it too.  I never was close enough to hear, but I think she just moves her mouth or mumbles a bit."

Clarissa mixes laughter with her tears, "She's probably calling God ...since her prayers haven't seemed to be working, she probably feels she should try a direct line."

"I don't take nothin' from nobody!" Anybody who ever had any contact with Frank, had probably heard him say this. And if you worked with him directly, you'd hear it a dozen times a day, or more.

(For the time being, we will ignore the double negative ...as not taking nothing is taking something. And in reality, Frank took plenty from lots of people. But, even with the double negative, if he were taking something, who did he say he took it from? He said 'nobody' ...and that's how Frank viewed people, as 'nobodies'.)

(Okay, I didn't ignore the double negative ...my comments seemed to describe Frank rather accurately, though how could anyone really begin to do an adequate job with that. There are good Franks ...and there are not so good Franks, but let's be frank about this one.)


Frank had many people doing his bidding ...not at the racetrack, though he was involved in that too. I mean, many people did what Frank asked ...well, most everyone did. Anyone who didn't usually ended up missing, or dead. Let me say, that some people did what Frank asked more adequately, or efficiently. Perhaps the best at doing that ...or you could say, the best at doing the worse, was Jack.

Jack didn't say much, and Frank liked that. Jack was a good listener ...but, more importantly to Frank, was the fact that Jack was also quick to accomplish what Frank wanted done.

When Frank would boldly and bluntly say, "I don't take nothin' from nobody!" ...well, Jack knew who Frank was referring to. Jack would then leave the room, and not return until he did what he knew Frank wanted accomplished. When Frank made a statement like that, it was more than a challenge ...and it was even more than a threat. It was a promise. And Jack was the one who shined Frank's reputation as a promise keeper.

Frank was angry most of the time, it seemed ...but lately, he seemed beyond angry. He seemed beyond reason.

Now, how can anyone find a reason for senseless killing?? Well, the reason is like trying to establish motive in a crime. Before guilt can be established, three aspects of a crime are ideally determined ---means, motive, and opportunity. No one could ever place Frank at the scene of a crime ...and no one had ever even had a clue about Jack. Frank had such an intertwined organization, no one had as much opportunity as he did. And it would be nearly impossible to establish motive ...as even the people that worked close with Frank didn't understand him.

Jack didn't bother with this useless criminal psychology, or court proceedings ...as no one was going to nab him. No one even suspected him, and he worked alone. And he didn't concern himself with the 'why' of things, he just effectively did what he knew Frank wanted done.

Some things are driven by greed or a lust for power. Others are driven by anger, and sometimes it reaches insanely to revenge. Who can say what motivates someone? Yet, who can say it's not evil ...whatever the motivation??

Yet, even evil can sometimes be somewhat understood. There are patterns ...and sometimes, it seems there is nearly a script. Yes, a plan ...and methods to carry it out.

But now, all sense of predictability is lost. Though it may appear strange to say, some of the people around Frank felt relatively safe in the organization. They benefited from his loyalty ...or let's say, his trust. No, not really trust either. I dare say it was not friendship.

Confidence.

Yes, he had confidence in some people.

But, no more ....

It's difficult to imagine how people make a living with no morals ...and that they'd be so upset when they feel they themselves are betrayed. But, this is what Frank feels. And it must have come from the 'inside' ...there must be a leak somewhere. It seems that too many times the police, and even federal law enforcement has been tipped off, causing Frank to abort his plans.

Frank becomes suspicious ...too suspicious to even effectively continue to run the city like he has been. He is so determined to get the guy in his organization that has been tipping off law enforcement ...he starts acting more on whims and suspicions. And Jack becomes very busy ...knowing that Frank feels he can ill afford his organization to collapse from the inside. Frank's associate at the funeral home increases his order for having boxes made.

Jack sees to it that Frank is happy. Well, maybe not happy ...Frank has never been happy. Maybe it is enough to see Frank's confidence in his work. Jack does good work ...which is actually wicked work, but that is the sick satisfaction derived by people who cannot take a breath without knowing they are taking one away from someone else.

Jack felt he had the best job security ...even better than the undertaker, and definitely more exciting. And to him it was simple ...no questions asked, and no witnesses.

Jack's work was bona fide ...and in thinking about it, he smiled. Jack was no dummy ...and had studied extensively about World History. One of his favorites was the Roman Empire. He had studied all the pagan deities, and he had a particular fondness for Fides, the female deity of trust. Jack knew that Frank was satisfied with his work, but that he also had to provide proof. Frank only trusted if he saw the bones ...dead bones. Jack would show Frank, and wait for the nod of approval. It would be one of the only times Jack would speak. He'd smile, and say, "Bona Fide!"

For an evil empire to continue to exist, it must sustain itself ...not self-destruct. But, what drives an empire? Usually money is a big factor ...but, that was no longer a concern for Frank. He had accrued enough money in the first year alone. It seemed more like control that drove him from then on. And he would not tolerate anyone crossing him.

But, Frank didn't realize he was losing control. It was driving him mad, trying to find out who was leaking the information. He had replaced most of his organization ...all of those whom he felt were part of the inner circle. He was furious ...and Jack listened as Frank once again screamed, "I don't take nothin' from nobody!" Jack was attentive, as he saw the wheels turning inside Frank's head. Jack knew that look ...and he was eager to do the job, as soon as Frank would let him know who'd be fitted for one of those boxes next.

The next day, Jack was in a box.



Clarissa had lost her son to gang violence ...a group of boys aspiring to be like Frank.

Clarissa had this thought on her mind every moment of every day.

She felt a disconnect with her Mom ...and she didn't want to see her.  That was painful too ...and she didn't feel it made her near impossible days any easier.  But, she had honor.  Mom had done her best to raise her, and Mom had lived in dangerous times too.  Clarissa supposed it was her time to care somewhat for Mom, in return.  Her heart was not in it, but she felt a sense of obligation.  She resolved to just show up a couple times each week ...she wouldn't stay long, since Mom didn't acknowledge her presence anyway.  But, that served her well too ...as she didn't really want to be there.  The only hope she ever has for any peace, is a few minutes of sleep ...but, that is, if she's able to dream of when she was a little girl.  There had been some happy times ...but, thinking of family now, only gives her pain.  So, continually, she is a total emotional wreck.

Clarissa had always come in the late afternoon.  But, today she decides to visit just after lunch. The nurse she likes to talk to, is not there, so she asks another nurse if it's okay to visit.  Of course, it is always okay ...but, she always imagines they'll say 'no', and she can just leave.

Clarissa wants to leave ...she doesn't think she could handle it. She had been told by the regular nurse that the only time her Mom talks is mumbling into the patient's phone ...and it just so happens that looking down the hallway, there is her Mom reaching for the phone mounted on the wall.  

At first, Clarissa does not even want to imagine that Mom is doing this.  No one, who loves their parent, wants to witness the actual event which proves they've gone off the deep end.  She hesitates, then slowly approaches.  

What she hears, gives her mixed emotions.  But, that's been nothing new ...and most of her emotions have been mixed-up. She can't be getting as bad as Mom though.  But, it's not mumbling coming from her Mom ...she is talking clearly.

Clarissa wants to leave.  She feels hurt, and betrayed.  How could her Mom talk on a phone like this, and clearly not talk to her own daughter?

Clarissa recalled what the regular nurse had said, about the phone likely not working ...and that it was likely only providing an avenue for her to safely express herself without being challenged by a real person. Diagnosed by so many people giving their opinion on the extent of a mental condition, can drive a sane person crazy.

The nurse sees her hesitation in approaching her Mom, and attempts to comfort Clarissa, "Many mental illnesses create their own safe zones ...and some even develop multiple personalities, carrying on a complete extensive conversation with themselves.  I think I'm going to look into that, and see if people with more than three personalities can get a group rate."

The nurse's attempt to get Clarissa to laugh fails.

Clarissa is tired, and she wants to leave ...but, she listens to the end of the conversation her Mom is having.  It sounds, from the conversation, that her Mom thinks she is talking to the police. Suddenly, she ends the conversation, and turns around ...as if she had known this whole time that her daughter was there. 

And for the first time in months, her mom speaks to her, "I told you prayer works.  Each day, I pray all morning ...and God tells what Frank is thinking of doing.  I don't know who Frank is, but the police know him.  And they thank me for the tip I'd given them the previous day.  I then pray all afternoon, thanking God.  And the next day God tells me more about this Frank the police haven't been able to stop.  And before you put me in here, you said I was crazy, because prayer doesn't work."

The next day, Clarissa's Mom dies.  The following week, Clarissa goes to her Mom's funeral.  A police officer is there. He tells Clarissa that Frank is in custody because of the last tip her Mom had given them, and he will be going to prison. Frank's last words were that he didn't know how, but he was going to find out who was leaking the information, and he was going to have him killed."

The officer later visits Frank, "I'll tell you who told."

Frank mocks his sincerity, "You won't tell ...it would be a death warrant. You know I have people who'll kill the person who told."

The officer smiles, "Not many ...you sort of did away with most of the people who were loyal to you, don't you remember.  And I'm going to tell you who told, because you won't be able to do anything about it anyway."

Frank had to endure this madness for all too long, and he is furious, "What makes you so sure ...like I said, I don't take nuthin' from nobody!  I'll have him killed ...you can bet on that, I promise!"

The officer continues to smile, "The one who told, has already been killed ...but, is very much alive, and only he can promise."

Frank is in no place to give orders, but he does anyway, "Get outta here!!  You don't make any sense ...an' I'll have you killed too."

The officer adds, "Frank, your killin' days are over, thanks to the one who helped us convict you.  And I told you I'd tell you who tipped us off, ...and I will.  It was Jesus.  And I'd plea guilty, if I were you!"

(Now, this is not a true story ...but, God does hear our prayers, and answers them.  God may not answer prayers in the time frame that we'd desire, and He may not answer them in the way we may expect.  In the Book of Genesis, Joseph didn't understand why he was hated by his brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery.  Joseph was carted off to Egypt ...and he didn't know what would befall him.  Joseph was a good servant, so was put in charge as the overseer of Pharaoh's house.  Did Joseph then understand, why when he refused to be unfaithful to his master by the prompting of his master's wife ( telling her, "There is  none greater in this house than I; neither has he kept back anything from me, but you, because you are his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"), that she continued to pursue him??  And when one day she seemed in no mood to accept 'no' for an answer, and had grabbed his robe ...he had immediately fled her presence.  Yet she had cried out, and said that Joseph had forced himself upon her ...which mightily angered her husband.  Did Joseph understand, at this time why this all transpired ...and why he was then put into prison??  He assuredly understood why he was put in prison ...because he was set up, but it was not a clear answer to prayer.  While in prison, Joseph interpreted dreams, which was then made known to Pharaoh ...whom also had a dream that disturbed him.  Joseph interpreted the dream of Pharaoh, but said, "It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer ..."  That is, in saying, from God through Joseph.  Then also, well over a thousand years later ...Daniel was in Jerusalem when King Nebuchadnezzar and his army besieged it, and he and others were taken captive.  King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him in his sleep ...but, he did not only ask for an interpretation of the dream, he demanded that they tell him the dream also.  It seems that King Nebuchadnezzar had his doubts about his own so-called wise men ...which included magicians, astrologers, and sorcerers.  It seems that he felt they'd been interpreting dreams however they saw fit.  But, they couldn't fake it ...not if he told them to tell him the dream first.  After Daniel had prayed, and also thanked God for the answer, he was brought forth, and he spoke forth his answer, "The secret which the king has demanded cannot the wise men, astrologers, magicians, or soothsayers show unto the king; but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets ...".)