(Submitted on October 8, 2021; sunflower photo by Emily Neblock)
Dear All,
While pondering what to say for this 7th anniversary of Frank Wolfe's passing, it occurred to me that Frank represents very well what I value most in this world: Realness. He was who he was and did not try to be anything else. The world we live in is sorely without such quality, and yet it is that quality that matters the most of all...at least if we want to live in more of a utopia than a dystopia. This world is currently afflicted with the greatest division, depression, ire, uncertainty of future. People need people, people of a quality that used to be more common. People need reassurance and trust, but instead what surrounds us is so often fake or suspicious, untrustworthy, empty of morals, or upsetting without any promise of true communication or resolution. The world is in a bit of a sorry place in many ways. We desperately need Frankness. We need art and honesty; we need cultural commentary from peaceful hearts. We need comedy and levity. We need inspiration and humble-spirited endurance. We need authentic people. Where are all the Franks? If Frank were here, he would be coming up with jokes about the ridiculousness, trying to live his heart's dreams, and thinking compassionately about every person alive, what their realities are and why they do what they do. In a world of division and confusion, these are the only things that will show us the true path forward, and ground each of us to the floor of our true human reality...or help our feet find it again if it has been a long time since we knew its safety.
