Doghouse

John Paul

John Paul Reese















I met John Paul at a vulnerable time in his life. Of the few students I have been blessed with, John Paul reminded me most of myself at that time, and some that is still true.

He is an easy man to love, but you sense he broods. He's a deep pool, with a wicked fast mind.

When we first met I worried about him for exactly those reasons. Part of me wished to save him from my fate. Part of me still does. But the book is out on both of us for now.

When I first arrived near the boat I expected that I would know four people. The groom (John Paul), the Reverend (Mark), a former student (Dan) and John Paul's grandmother Doris who use to attend pretty much any adult education class I ever taught at Fremont Presbyterian Church in Sacramento where I knew them all.

Dan was the first to approach me and extend a hand. He looked good.

We talked deeply about the weather.

Still I appreciated his gesture.

Thirteen years earlier, Dan came but really never learned a thing from me. He just enjoyed arguing.

I figured if no one had time to talk with me on the boat (for 4 hours) that I could just find Dan and tell him I live with a woman in Marin and that would kick things off.

He would tell me why I would be going to Hell. I would respond by telling him why he was NOT going to Hell. It would become like the Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny arguments with Elmer Fudd nearby:

D: "You are going to Hell because you live in San Francisco and they are all going to Hell."

Me: "No, you are NOT going to Hell."

D: "I disagree."

Me: "No, you are Not going to Hell and I am."

D: "No, you are not going to Hell, I am!"

BLAM!!

Well that never happened. But it could have.

I like Dan. I always have. But I feel him looking at me like a large mutant cockroach.

We did not speak again.

Next I saw Doris. I walked over to greet her and asked if she remembered me.

She looked at me (very kindly) like I was just being an idiot.

She is a very sweet, intelligent woman who is deeply spiritual. We talked later on the boat about mutual friends Betty and Scott Hightower who have retired and relocated to Colorado. Doris misses Betty, and I know why. Betty is a deep pool, just like Doris.

When St. Paul talks about Timothy and his grandmother Eunice I think of John Paul and Doris.

The last time I saw Betty and Scott I was in Roseville. Newly divorced, for the second time, they invited my sorry ass over for dinner.

As always, it was delightful and we talked about life and faith and I confessed some struggles with them and Betty simply said "well Chris, it's just that you've lost your First Love." (She did not mean Lori).

And I just cracked up.

Because of course she was right. God is our First Love and more specifically Jesus.

Had someone else, with any mean spirit or judgment said that to me I would have walked out.

I looked over at Scott, a strong elegant gentleman in every sense of ther word., and he looked back like "You are on your own pal".

So I laughed and smiled and sighed and said "well yes Betty, I suppose that is true."

*******

Doris had a beautiful bluish dress that was fun and I made sure to tell her how genuinely pretty she looked and gave her a hug as I left the boat later. It was good to see her (and I hope she reads this at some point). She has a fresh elegance that is also in her grandson.

On days like this day I am happy I have "eyes to see". Most days it's just a pain in the ass.

*******

Next it was Mark Studer who found me.

What a light!

He will kick my ass for saying that, but I am bigger than him. Bring it on Mark...you may be faster and younger, but I'll clock ya.

There is a directness and vulnerable intensity in Mark. I saw it in him in 1992-93 when he came into our small college group quite cynical and itching for a fight.

He and his brother (so very much like my two older sons in their ways) sunk deep roots in the that group quickly. I loved the way Mark challenged me on most everything, and often he was right and that led to greater depth in our discussions.

Later on the boat, John Paul and I would reminise about those Sunday night sessions..in the Gospel of Mark...where I would pace around the "pit" and draw everyone into a discussion and explore naked Gospel. We laughed about one night where I had done a couple day's intense study to prepare (this theme will come up again) and we were half way in and it was either John or Mark who asked a question that turned the whole text around.

When it was asked I stopped.

I ran it through the intense inner grid I had available.

It changed everything.

Damn.

It was like when Woody Allen brings Marshall McLuhan out from behind the counter in Annie Hall and he refutes the College professor.

"How you ever got to teach a class on anything is beyond me" says McLuhan.

So I just said it.

"That changes everything...wow!"

Now maybe you can see why one of them went to Princeton and the other is about to finish up at Mars Hill Graduate School.

These guys got game. Always did, still do.

*******

P.S. John Paul is really too beautiful to live. I mean look at the guy.

And his bride is more beautiful than he is! Maybe the most stunning couple I have ever seen (alongside Scott and Laura Mitchell).

posted by Obi-Mac BakDon @ 8:17 AM