Roy’s Sunday Letter for March 12, 2023

  • My all-time favorite TV series is Lonesome Dove. I now have an equal, this one from Korea, even subtitled (Netflix). “Navillera” tells the story of a retired postal worker who has always dreamed about ballet. After raising his family, he convinces a young ballet dancer to teach him ballet. In 12 episodes, Mr. Sim, shows up, learns ballet and becomes a mentor to the young teacher. Then to add a twist to the plot Mr. Sim is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Mr. Sim would say,” “show up, it’s never too late to dream.”

** Anyone who lives in an urban area can be approached by a panhandler at an intersection. Arlington, TX has taken a unique approach to signage at these same intersections. “It’s OK to say no to panhandlers.”

  • GO GIRLS: Two Great examples: 1.) A college Cheer team was going to the state championship. Her teammates decided not to go. She attended and competed by herself, alone….and guess what? She won! 2.) At a high school girls’ baseball game, a player hit a home run. As she rounded first base she pulled a leg muscle and could not run. Th rule was that her teammates could not help her. The opposing players picked her up and helped to 2nd, 3rd, and then to home plate. GO GIRLS

** Imagine connecting with a friend not seen or known about since 1965. (And yes, I realize there are SL readers not yet born in the 1960’s). What do you talk about? Where have you lived? Work? Family? We found out, to our great surprise, we both graduated from a theological seminary. We both have spouses with master’s in counseling, both serving challenging schools and students. Who would you like to find and have similar conversation? My friend and I have much more to share, to learn, to laugh about…maybe the four of us next time.

  • Closing Sunday thoughts: Nationally, police departments are desperate to establish trust, retrain, repurpose their mission and 24/7 services. Nationally, political leaders are struggling with who will be included, who excluded, with what reward or cost to our cities, neighborhoods, and residents. Police and political actions should pull us in, not push any of us away. As you can do, remind your community leaders about forgiveness, acceptance, respect, and the truth we learn best from each other. I learn every week from your Comments and emails. We continue on together.

Roy, is writing my Mr. Sim’s never too late to dream?

8 Comments

  1. Sandra on March 12, 2023 at 6:55 am

    Thank you for The Netflix recommendation, Roy! Cannot wait for this inspiration. I appreciate your sharing your warm Chi each week.

    • Roy Bowen on March 12, 2023 at 9:55 am

      this one was a surprise …. subtitles are easy, slower than most
      Mr. Sim my hero model
      An old guy who should not….did so.
      He overcame the system, his stiffness, and even family
      enjoy
      i will be interedted in another view

  2. Meg on March 12, 2023 at 11:50 am

    Reconnections are great. Recently reconnected with a friend from the 70s. And one from the 80s.

    I listened to Lonesome Dove on one of my early drives to the southwest. Loved it. Thanks for reminding me.

    • Roy Bowen on March 12, 2023 at 2:48 pm

      Amazing to bring memories to current time 2023.
      We all went different ways but then also the same ways.
      All comments desired and treasured.

  3. Cinda Calderon Hitchcock on March 13, 2023 at 9:04 am

    We also loved the story about the ballet dancer. Another Korean TV show that is also wonderful: The Extraordinary Attorney Woo.

    • Roy Bowen on March 13, 2023 at 9:41 am

      We are ready for Woo season 2
      I still am smiling at ending of season 1….as Woo, with courage, is able to make her way through the revolving door.
      Great that somehow we both stumbled over Korean series. Better, fuller scripts.
      Another one has title ending in Cha, Cha, Cha.
      New dentist establishing her practice in a small traditional coastal small town/city/village
      Roy

  4. Linda M on March 13, 2023 at 11:41 am

    Three years ago I started to hear/observe a shift in First Responder culture—including Police Departments, Fire Fighters, EMT units etc. Since then, we have been placing highly-skilled facility dogs to provide Peer Support. They all have secondary trauma, and now it is being acknowledged and resources to help and support are changing this world. We are privileged to be a part of the change.

    Should we send canines to Congress and the Senate? Love you forever.

    • Roy Bowen on March 13, 2023 at 12:39 pm

      your canines over qualified for both members of both groups.
      the discussion is in the streets and not limited to conference center.
      over-due
      this is how we work through to new/different understanding.
      you are a front line change person, along with the 4 legged
      & thank for being and doing so………Roy

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