Mood:
hug meTopic: "Thank the Academy"(4)
Frodo has always had the gift of gab. In the fourth grade he served as the "Campaign Manager" when David Sollenberger made his run for Class President. Little Alice Pittard told Frodo afterwards that she only voted for Sollenberger because of Frodo's eloquent plea, e.g. "Give me Sollenberger, or give me death." Growing up in Virginia, the home of Presidents and political firebrands, Frodo was subject to undue political influence at an early age. Despite this early capacity to speak before groups, Frodo has found himself with a diminished interest in his own words, and a deeper appreciation for those of others. That, perhaps, is why he feels a certain anxiety upon recognition.
Frodo has told the story of his attendance at the funeral of the young soldier whose life was lost in the deserts between the Tigris and the Euphrates. When he walked from the casket to face the grieving family, all he could do was an arm salute to his heart and a kiss upon his fingers blown to Heaven. It was something he'd seen Sammy Sosa do a hundred times. He did so because he could not find words adequate for the moment.
On Thursday, Frodo will step onto a stage once again. There will be no pleas for victory or death, just as there will be no need to salute fallen warriors. The ghosts who call to Frodo are just trying to share one more moment with their friend.
So be it.
