The Life Chronicler
Project

On the ride from Washington to Richmond, I made a pitstop in Charlottesville to visit The University of Virginia. While there, I talked with six students about how divisive the country appears to be and to get their opinions on the future. While there was no consensus, the averaged opinion tilted towards optimism although they collectively recognized that there are serious challenges.

Richmond is a very historical city, as I learned. First, it is the town where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech in which he bellowed, “Give me liberty or give me death,” about three weeks before the first shot was fired at Lexington, Massachusetts, in the War of Independence. That speech took place at St. John’s Church. Lucky for me, on Sunday, February 12, actors performed a re-enactment of the Second Virginia Convention that was attended by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry, among others. It was a wonderful performance. I also met briefly with Reverend Wilmer with whom I hope to have a more in-depth discussion later.

A second historical fact about Richmond is that it was the Confederate’s Capital city from 1861-1865. It was the second largest city in the south at the time. Jefferson Davis’s “White House” is now a museum.

I also met another minister at a Presbyterian church. He mentioned that at least one gentleman came to mind who might wish to participate in my project. I did a fair amount of city walking as the weather is getting warmer in the south. Also, I drove through another university campus, this one being Richmond University. I can understand why it is considered one of the more beautiful campus’s around even though it was February and not in full bloom.

I visited a hybrid apartment complex / senior citizen’s living community and met a woman considering moving in. She seeming very interested in being interviewed via Zoom later on. The administrator also seemed enthusiastic and told me he has someone in mind for my project. We shall see.

Finally, a most unusual thing happened as I was leaving the city. I stopped to get gas and a 13-year-old African-American boy asked if he could use my phone. I asked who he needed to call and he replied, “the police.” Apparently, he had run away from home and had a bruise on his face. I called 911 and when the officer arrived, she started to converse with the boy as if she knew him. She did. And she even knew his social worker. Interesting. Anyway, I did what I could do and hope for the best for the kid.