The Once and Future Captain

Greetings Dear Reader,

For most of you today is another Thursday and your thoughts are already tuned to Friday. For me, my thoughts are on birthdays.  My younger Grandson had his sixth birthday this weekend and the years seem to go by at light speed.  I shall celebrate him well.  Today, however, my thoughts are on a birth that is past and yet to come.

When William Shatner was born on this day in Montreal, Quebec, Canada no one imagined that he would go on to become the icon of one of the most enduring franchises in entertainment history.  I agree with every good thing that has been said about him and his impact on our culture and entertainment. 

I wish to focus on an impact less known.  He is partially responsible for my being who I am.  Captain James Tiberius Kirk showed up in 1966 when I desperately needed a hero.  I had one, my Grandfather, but my father was absent and the other adult males in my life were not up to the task.  Since that first season the charter created by William Shatner has been key in my seeing hope in the universe.

Until I found faith eight years later it was my only source of hope after my Grandfather went on to that undiscovered country.  William Shatner continued to both struggled with and build on that character until Kirk’s demise in the movie Star Trek: Generations (1994).   I and several of my adult friends wept over this.

When I got to meet William Shatner a few years ago it was my honor to thank him for giving hope to a fatherless boy.  He smiled softly, his eyes looked deep into mine, and he returned my thanks.  Thank you again sir.  Happy birthday to you and the Captain to whom you gave life.  He is not due in our time line until 2233.  We shall both be in that undiscovered country by then.  He already lives, however, in the good he has done us all.  I owe you a debt. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Second Thoughts – An Amazing Day of Sacrifice

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

I know my Sons and Daughter love me.  Today they went above and beyond.  If you read my writing in more than a passing way you know that my love for Star Trek is a part of my marrow.  Since I was a wee lad Captain James Tiberius Kirk has been the hero who gave me hope.

My children worked in concert to arrange for me to meet William Shatner today.  He was appearing at the local Comic Convention.  They bought tickets to the event and the admission to meet William Shatner.  They arranged the transportation and keeping me entertained whilst we waited.  They sacrificed financially.  They gave of their free time.  Maxim sacrificed time with his Sons to be a good Son to me.

In the few moments I had to speak to the embodiment of a life-long hero I said what I had rehearsed saying to him for years.  “I was a fatherless boy when you show premiered.  You taught me that there was always hope.  I would not have made it without that.  I thank you sir.”

He looked up and looked me in the eye.  I saw tears there as he realized I was serious.  He gave me fist bump and thanked me in return.  You see what was in my heart was to really thank him.  He received that gratitude graciously. 

As I mark a milestone that I did not ever expect to see I also wish to express gratitude to the children I love.  You sacrificed for me to show me you love me.  This man of words cannot express the gratitude he feels.  Thank you Maxim.  Thank you Bezel. Thank you Christmas.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)