THEO OF GOLDEN BOOK CLUB - WEEK 7 - CHAPTERS 31-35

THEO OF GOLDEN by Allen Levi

As I sit here and write this post reflecting back on the chapters for the week, I am overwhelmed by how moving I find each of these life stories that we encounter. Theo absolutely nails it on the head when talking to Asher about the hint of sadness in each portrait he sees. There's all kinds of other emotions crossing the faces as well, but there is a tinge of sadness (except for the young boy's picture), and again Allen Levi makes this book so relatable to us. We all have suffered sadness in some form or another. We all have questioned ourselves as to whether we have the ability to overcome the mountain that once crushed us, a loss we once experienced, the overwhelming consensus that we weren't good enough for something, etc. Theo sees that sadness. He knows it personally. He is on a mission to help others heal. I'll finish the thoughts for this in the Chapter 35 comments.

CHAPTER 31

What did we learn about Theo is in this chapter? Theo has the ability to remain in control of the conversation, even when he agrees to a meeting that is supposed to reveal more of his story.

Man, I was so ready for this chapter. I am chomping at the bit to understand who Theo is. I am absolutely amazed how Levi has built this unquenchable thirst to know more about who Theo is. He leads us up to the trough (continuing on with my horse analogy!), and we think we're about to get a long drink, finally. But No!! Instead we learn more about Tony. Oh my, Tony. My heart broke into a thousand pieces. I have to ask myself if somewhere along the way, Levi met someone who told him a story that held fragments of the story he wove about Tony. We knew something big was coming in this chapter. "The space had the gravitas, if not the decor, of a confession booth." Big things coming.

Can you see it? Can you see two old friends - no scratch that - brothers forged in the kiln of the Vietnam War reuniting in front of the memorial? The laughing, the happiness, the tsunami of tears. Oh to know what that wall has witnessed from its millions of visits.

Tony, a young man on his way to college, a self-proclaimed nerd, molded into something else - someone else - from the experiences he never chose for himself. The images that will never leave him. The fear that the jungle that resides inside his head can become a reality to him at any moment. The memories of the young boy that will haunt him for the rest of his life.

Theo never shares a word about his past.

CHAPTER 32

The contrasting magic of this chapter from the devastation of the last one is a welcome breath of fresh air. We needed this one. I needed this one.

What do we learn about Theo in this chapter? He doesn't "drop" people after their visit together at the Fedder. He remains invested in their lives where they need him. He also marries pieces of his past into the present. I'm convinced Theo is on a healing journey of some sort, and he's committed to taking a lot of people along with him.

The magic of books.

Theo visits Lamisha every week, and he brings a book to share with her (with Tony's help - Wasn't that beautiful?) I need a Theo in my life to show up with nonstop winning reads!! This is not just a connection to the present for Theo but also a connection to the past. He read to his own daughter once upon a time, and now, he helps a father and daughter build a bridge over the river of loss to each other through the power of stories.

If that wasn't enough moving emotion for this chapter, he writes Lamisha her own story, because he wants Lamisha to be an overcomer. She has hard days in front of her from the accident. Not everyone will graciously understand what she's been through. No, we live in a fallen world where people sometimes step on top of others even when they're beaten down to get even a millimeter of elevation. Titalamishe. The uniting of the past and the present together.

CHAPTER 33

What do we learn about Theo in this chapter? We learn quite a bit about a significant trip from his childhood. A trip to Lisbon opened his eyes to the beautiful world of the arts. He was never the same after that experience..

One thing I spent some time thinking about in this chapter is Theo's parents didn't hurry him as he drank everything in. What a key point for us as parents. Too often we hurry our kids along to the next activity or the next thing on our list. We don't have the time (or take the time) to stop and examine the bug, the stars, the flower, the rock, the spider's web, (I could fill this line in forever!). If our Creator took the time to fashion each one, they are worth looking at!

The story of Simone is one of true persistence - the opposite of our "gotta have it now" mentality. I can remember ordering things for my kids when they were younger. They'd have to wait a week or so for the item to arrive. What a good lesson in patience! It was so much different than the constant Amazon fulfillment we have today. Simone treasures his cello in a way that would never happen if it had just been handed to him. Yes, his grandmother left him money when she died, but Simone knew how much she had to have scrimped and saved for that cash. His own sweat earnings were added to the amount as well. I like to call it "having skin in the game." That cello is never out of his sight because of that.

I can't leave this chapter without mentioning the person who gave up the cello. The one with Parkinson's disease that knew they would no longer be able to play that beautiful instrument. The person who wanted it to go to someone who would love, cherish, and make it continue singing. I find the significance of what that person did to be so incredibly powerful.

CHAPTER 34

What do we learn about Theo in this chapter? He lives by the Biblical principle, "Don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." There is so much conviction in that command. Really it boils down to a simple question? What are my motives? Am I doing this for others or for the glory I hope to receive from everyone knowing what I've done? You know what? It all belongs to God! All glory to Him alone! Theo wonders correctly - how many good intentions ended badly?

He partners with Asher to have a portrait done of the journalist, and she understands totally what's at stake if Theo's story gets out. Not only does she gain that realization in this meeting, but she trades her current self image built on her past for the one shown in the portrait. (Isn't that what Christ does for us?) BUT Theo promises Katherine the exclusive on it all when everything is done. Again, I find myself asking how would that completely eliminate the spotlight on Theo unless he is dying.

CHAPTER 35

I already wrote about this chapter in my opening paragraph. A couple of points to add to close us out - Theo listens attentively to everyone he meets. How often do I do that? Second, Theo says he doesn't have a tender heart. He has a broken one. I'm convinced his journey includes healing for himself.

Thoughts? I'd love to hear them!