Mood:
luckyTopic: "St. George" (4)
Every once in a while, Frodo happens across someone who simply takes his breath away. Not, he implores, in either a visceral or redemptive manner, but a simple soul who could have filled the role portrayed by Tom Hanks in the movie "Forrest Gump." Frodo's friend John Jenkins, who died during the "ambushes" at Duc Lap in 1968, was such a man. You know the type, dear reader, as honest as the day is long, hard-working, devoted to friends and family; a person who is too good for his own good, or so they say. He whom Frodo has dubbed "St. George," of the "Men of Gondor" is such a person, and Frodo has asked for a few moments of your time merely to introduce you to a very good Man.
George first introduced himself as "actively retired," and that description fit perfectly. Once an intercollegiate swimmer, he has stayed with the discipline and is today a frequent winner in "Senior Olympics" wherever they may be held. He is a volunteer extraordinaire, devoting countless hours to the Salvation Army and other organizations who serve the homeless and the underprivileged. Annually, he assists in the all-night effort to take an accurate census of the homeless in downtown Atlanta, a task which would daunt even the fearless Samwise. He serves as the organizing center of the Men of Gondor.
Frodo first noted this good man as he spun the tale of his own father, who had to leave his employer due to illness, and was promptly cut-off from his health insurance. St. George choked as he heard Frodo's voice break, and Frodo saw the sympathetic tear in the eye of one not known. In the days and years to come, St. George would encourage Frodo to join with him in offering greater assistance to the less fortunate. Eventually, Frodo and the rest of the Men of Gondor joined St. George in the annual ringing of the bell outside a Wal-Mart front door in the days before Christmas. It remains the day that culminates the Holiday Season for Frodo.
"Honey" and Sam have never met. Soldiers, it seems, are reluctant to cross bounds of loyalty with those of fidelity, no matter if they bear sword or the Cross of Jesus. St. George is a quiet man, but with an engaging and winning smile. There is no doubt that he acts sincerely, and respectfully. Frodo has been very fortunate to have crossed this path.
Today, St. George, previously encumbered by a dragon it seems, called upon Frodo in dismay. "Why, Sir Frodo, would you deem it best to forego our time together? Have I done something to offend?"
Frodo felt that such a query would come, and for one such as St. George, there is no easy response. He asked Frodo to consider staying with the Men of Gondor. "Surely Frodo, you know that Sauron still bears the ring, and that those of us who would rend it from his grasp need to keep each other strong during this long endeavor."
Frodo promised to consider the plea of this good, good soul. He is still weary, so weary, but Hobbits always listen to the entreaties of those who serve us all, and ask so very little in return.
