I’ve been trying not to write too much of any conversation, so as not to give preference to any one person. But I simply can’t help but include what I learned about this man…

“I was a vocalist and a bass player in bands. All kind of bands—rock, opera, all kinds of bands.”

               “Do you not do them anymore? Are you just too busy?”

“I don’t, but I’d love to get back into it. Before becoming a policeman, I spent eleven years on the road. That’s how I made my living. As a matter of fact, when we were on the road—I believe we were just playing, ah, Norfolk, Virginia, and we were coming back through Ohio. We passed a sign that said “Battle of the Bands: DJ Country.” It was a country battle of the bands…but we were a rock band. We were coming home to work another road show, so we came home, practiced up, and we went there and took Battle of the Bands. Our harmony was super. I’ve had a fun life. I really have.”

               Just when I took his picture and thought the conversation was over, I mentioned that I like to write. And this came from the Renaissance man:

“I just finished a novel, but I can’t get it published. It’s called Tommy and Ellen. It’s about two 10-year-olds growing up in Debonshire, England. So much of what’s popular is full of sex, violence, and swearing. I decided I’m going to write a novel with no sex, no swearing, no nothing. It’s going to be warm and fuzzy.”

               And the kicker:

“I love life. I always have, always will.”