Pathways Within ~ Sands of Time

He survived a fire, divorce, and bankruptcy. He lived through the loss of his business, singing voice, job as a chemical engineer, fine motor control, and 50% of his lung capacity.

And do you know what strikes you when you meet Mr. Frank R. Johnson? Do you know what his favorite expression is?

"I am so blessed."

"Hadduya like dem apples?"

Make you feel like a heel for whining about that fender bender, or your newspaper getting wet, or not enough expresso in your café latte?

I know. Me too.

Frank was born in 1949, in Kingston, New York. He experienced a successful, gifted, more than average life until a fateful night in December, 1981. After hours one night, he thought he smelled smoke in his bar. What occurred next is not clear, even to Frank, but he wound up unconscious, nearly dead from smoke inhalation, rescued by firefighters. He lapsed into a coma for a few days, and when he awoke, “average” no longer applied to any part of his life. He spent months in rehab, but there was only so much motion he could regain. The carbon monoxide had poisoned and killed many of his nerve cells, including the ones in charge of fine motor control.

He knew he would never sing “Scarborough Fair” in a sweet, high voice once more, but worked at regaining a voice to speak with. Unfortunately, the smoke, combined with the administration of a tracheotomy, damaged his vocal cords to the point that communication requires extra effort and concentration. He does pretty well, all things considered.

I met Frank at the Spiritual Cinema Circle’s Film Festival at Sea www.SpiritualCinemaCircle.com; we viewed the top twelve films selected from two hundred applicants while cruising the Caribbean. It was quite the combination of work and play. The SCC’s only requirement was for movies “that have some kind of spiritual resonance to them – films that expand the mind, open the heart and stir the soul.” Since I had almost given up watching movies recently, due to the lack of substance or quality or depth, watching most of these 12 was quite the treat.

Frank was on the cruise for two reasons; he loves to surround himself with uplifting, positive, spiritually minded folks like himself; and, he has an idea for a movie for kids that has burned an impression on his soul.

And when his movie gets made, I believe likewise, that it will burn its impression into people’s souls everywhere. See, it IS his story. Take very bad odds, life throwing everything but the kitchen sink at you, believe in yourself and utilize the gifts you DO have, and you can overcome ANYTHING. THAT'S the kind of message kids today need to hear. Adults could use a dose, too.

I don’t believe it’s out of the question to be watching Frank’s movie at an SCC film festival in the not too distant future. If ever I’ve seen an idea for a movie that “stirs the soul” (and a “producer with heart”), it’s this one.

Frank tells the story of being at a number of Tony Robbins’ seminars and what he’s learned. He shares the experience with glee, of standing on stage with Tony, while being auctioned off to a woman in the crowd. “A date with Mr. Frank R. Johnson” went for a whopping $750!! He talks passionately about becoming a motivational speaker for handicapped people.

Frank is on his way. But folks with “challenges” may not be his only audience. Let me rephrase that. We ALL have our challenges, our burdens to bear; some are just more visible than others. Frank R. Johnson motivates everyone he meets to carry their cross with delight, or maybe, he makes you realize it’s not as heavy as you once thought. Either way, he reminds you just by BEING, how wondrous being alive truly is.

Yes, sometimes, when I think about my conversations with Frank, I feel like a heel, especially if I’ve been particularly whiny about “oh what a victim I am” that day. Most times however, through the gift of grace, and spending time with Frank, I find that is less and less the case.

Mostly I find myself saying, “I am so blessed.”

Anne Serena

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Frank can be reached at MrFrankRJohnson@AOL.com with questions, comments or inquiries about his project.