I've known Johnny for several years...
Everyone knows Johnny. He and his reputation have been around for a long time, both in prison, and on the streets. I cannot say we're friends, but we have spoken to each other on a number of occasions. Mostly small talk such as reminiscing about the "old days" or how the New York sports teams are doing. Or we'd talk about foods like pizza or fast-food burgers, or the weather.
Generally, mobsters are very talkative individuals. Johnny would talk to just about anybody. But when he's with his fellow associates of the underworld, it's always in a whisper. I would liken it to being part of a secret society, and that's what it is. No admittance unless you're a member of the "Family."
I ran into Johnny this morning because I had to take a handicapped man to the Infirmary for his physical therapy session. So after I dropped him off at the Nurse's station, I went into the waiting room to stay until he was finished. This is where I ran into Johnny. He was waiting to see the prison's doctor.
After giving each other the standard greeting of the nodding of our heads in one another's direction, and the two of us saying "Hey, what's up?" at the exact same time, we sat down on one of the waiting room's benches to chat and kill time.
After giving each other a quick assessment of how the Jets and Giants football teams have been performing, I asked about his Mom. She had been in and out of the hospital quite often, he told me. Several times within the past few months, he'd stop me in the hallway and ask me to pray for her.
Johnny said she was doing better. His Mom, he told me a while ago, is in her early eighties. I'm sure life hasn't been easy for her, with a son in prison for an alleged "mob related killing." But he did tell me he has two sisters on the outside who keep a close eye on her.
Johnny knows he messed up his life. Privately, he's admitted this to me during one of our past conversations. Virtually everyone who is incarcerated, and if they've already been in for a sizable number of years, would say the same thing. Prison is a world of regrets.
When Johnny asked me how "church" was going, not that he really has any interest in it, it gave me the chance to briefly share what Jesus has been doing with my life. He gave a polite nod, but I am thankful for the opportunity to share my faith with him.
I know I'll run into him again because Johnny the mobster seems to have a knack for being everywhere.
D.B.
Generally, mobsters are very talkative individuals. Johnny would talk to just about anybody. But when he's with his fellow associates of the underworld, it's always in a whisper. I would liken it to being part of a secret society, and that's what it is. No admittance unless you're a member of the "Family."
I ran into Johnny this morning because I had to take a handicapped man to the Infirmary for his physical therapy session. So after I dropped him off at the Nurse's station, I went into the waiting room to stay until he was finished. This is where I ran into Johnny. He was waiting to see the prison's doctor.
After giving each other the standard greeting of the nodding of our heads in one another's direction, and the two of us saying "Hey, what's up?" at the exact same time, we sat down on one of the waiting room's benches to chat and kill time.
After giving each other a quick assessment of how the Jets and Giants football teams have been performing, I asked about his Mom. She had been in and out of the hospital quite often, he told me. Several times within the past few months, he'd stop me in the hallway and ask me to pray for her.
Johnny said she was doing better. His Mom, he told me a while ago, is in her early eighties. I'm sure life hasn't been easy for her, with a son in prison for an alleged "mob related killing." But he did tell me he has two sisters on the outside who keep a close eye on her.
Johnny knows he messed up his life. Privately, he's admitted this to me during one of our past conversations. Virtually everyone who is incarcerated, and if they've already been in for a sizable number of years, would say the same thing. Prison is a world of regrets.
When Johnny asked me how "church" was going, not that he really has any interest in it, it gave me the chance to briefly share what Jesus has been doing with my life. He gave a polite nod, but I am thankful for the opportunity to share my faith with him.
I know I'll run into him again because Johnny the mobster seems to have a knack for being everywhere.
D.B.
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