If you’ve ever driven by the Vice President’s official residence here in Washington, DC, then you might have seen this man.
His name is John Wojnowski and every day for the last 12 years he has been holding signs on the northeast corner of the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and 34th Street in Northwest DC. I myself have seen him many times during the afternoon rush-hour, but last Wednesday I decided to stop and meet him.
He is a simple man; his entire outfit purchased from thrift stores. He stands about 5’7” and holds his sign for hours on end. For the next two hours, I listened intently to John as he shared his life story with me.
Born during wartime in Warsaw, Poland in 1943, his family moved to Milan, Italy in 1947 where he spent most of his childhood and attended Jesuit school. When he was 15, he says he was sexually molested by a Catholic priest. He shares with me intimate details of the account. The traumatic event changed John’s life.
Before the molestation, he says that he was a happy 15-year-old. Even in pictures, he says there was a marked difference before and after the incident. He later moved to Canada and eventually ended up in Washington, DC in 1965.
Through all of this time, he says he had turned inward and shut out others. He shied away from girls and led an unhappy life. In 1968 he went back to Poland where he said he “married the first girl he met.” He is now separated from his wife, but keeps in regular contact and says that they are good friends. His children are grown and although it sounds like he doesn’t have a close relationship with them, he talks very proudly about them. He says that he was not always the best husband and father due to the emotional stress he suffered over the years.
According to John, the molestation stifled his entire life. He didn’t really even make the connection that his social and personal struggles were a result of the assault. It wasn’t until he learned in 1997 of a Catholic church pedophile scandal in Texas that he started to recover the memory of his tragic past. “After becoming aware of the damage, 39 years of misery, I wrote to the Vatican embassy. I was ignored. I made a sign with a big question mark and stood outside the nunciature.”
And so he started in 1998 to protest in front of the Vatican’s nunciature to the US, which is an ecclesiastical office of the Roman Catholic Church. Basically, it’s a diplomatic post of the Holy See, whose representative is called the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States and has a similar rank as ambassador. I always thought he protested there because it was across the street from the Vice President’s house, however, come to find out that he is actually standing directly in front of the nunciature.
Over the years, John has had many signs. Here are just a few of them:
“MY LIFE WAS RUINED BY A CATHOLIC PEDOPHILE PRIEST”
“VATICAN HIDES PEDOPHILES”
“VATICAN’S STUPIDITY – CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY”
“SOCIOPATHS HIDE PEDOPHILES”
John shared with me so many different facets of his time in front of the nunciature. He gave me a copy of a letter he sent to the Archbishop of Washington, DC. He showed me a tired piece of paper detailing every interaction he has had with the apostolic nuncios (currently Pietro Sambi) over the years. Next to each interaction, he has written the time, date, and what happened. It was sad to see that many of the interactions ended in the nuncio calling John stupid or an imbecile.
So I asked John what it was that he wanted? I was surprised to hear that all he wanted was financial retribution. I tried to hide my disappointment. I’m sure that many other victims, surely thousands, see him as the voice for those who have been sexually abused by members of the church. I asked him, “If the Catholic Church gave you appropriate financial compensation, would you still come out here tomorrow with your signs?” His eyes widened. “No, that’s all I want.”
This got me thinking. Maybe he needs to take a new approach. Since it wasn’t clear to me what he wanted, maybe the Catholic Church isn’t aware either. I suggested he change his signs to reflect what he wants. His signs don’t foster an open environment where he and the Church could openly talk. Maybe you say that the Catholic Church would never offer a financial settlement, I don’t know. John claims that a few years ago a priest came out of the nunciature and told him that he had no case because of the statute of limitations.
I don’t know what you think about this whole thing. I invite you to leave your comments. Do you think he is going about his crusade in the right manner? What would be the most effective way for him to get the financial reparation that he feels he deserves? If he continues with the signs, what would be the most effective message?
You might think John is crazy. You might think he is wasting his time. After spending two hours with him, I can tell you that he is extremely passionate about this. Many times he struggled for words. Sometimes it was because he didn’t know the right English word for things (his first language is Polish), however, many times language wasn’t the issue. His emotions were so strong that he simply couldn’t express his true feelings. I feared that he was taunted by many of the people who walk or drive by. The truth is that I didn’t see any of that. In fact, many cars would honk and give him the thumbs up and shout praises to him. I know that must help motivate him to travel the hour each way every day, taking two buses, and then enduring the elements for hours.
John has received numerous death threats, but that hasn’t stopped him.
“Do you think I should give up?” John asked softly.
“You are so passionate about this,” I said. “You need to follow your heart.”
His mouth tightened a little and his eyes sunk to the ground, his head nodding slowly. He stood in silence – no words were need. We both knew that he would never give up.
John will use the $10 to make copies of some of the materials he hands out to people who stop and speak with him.
You can read more about John on his website or visit him in person every day from around 4:30pm until dark at the corner of 34th and Massachusetts in Northwest DC.
UPDATE: April 23, 2010
I met with John on Wednesday and he asked me to post this quote from Winston Churchill. (I have also seen this quote attributed to John F. Kennedy, not sure who originally said it) “A man does what he must – in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – and that is the basis of all human morality.”
wow … I’ve always wondered about this man. I’m glad you stopped and talked to him. I don’t think he is going about his crusade correctly if he wants financial retribution, but I do think his passion to stand there day in, day out provides him with something he needs in order to get through his life. I wish he could come to some kind of a settlement with himself and find peace within.
I have never seen this man, but reading his story breaks my heart–to hold that much pain for so many years and have it affect so many layers of your life must be agonizing.
It seems the money is more about them acknowledging that something horrible happened to him, and may be the only recourse he feels he has. He wants them to pay somehow. I admire his dedication and the attention he has probably brought to the issue, but do wonder if there is another way he could get closure.
The church has obviously been hiding these cases, though, and may or may not be willing to settle. They may see it as opening a door to more payments they can’t afford to make. Civilly there is no statue of limitations–he doesn’t want anyone arrested, he wants restitution. I am guessing that mostly he wants them to take some responsibility.
I agree with Leslie, and hope that he finds some peace from this. I will be sending him good thoughts…
Yes, there is passion in what he does. But how many people out there (including myself) have been molested or worse, and not just by the church? Expecting any kind of money would just be ridiculous. But I still say good for him, for doing what he believes is right. That man has had a hard life.
His crusade is to get the word out, and that is probably the most healing thing he can do for himself. Go John.
I was born and raised Catholic and still follow my faith. I hate that this has happened to anyone. I think he is going about this wrong but I understand why he is doing it. He really needs to have some closure and get on with his life. I think some of your ideas were very good and he should try them.
John:
What you went thru was horrible and I can attest that it does affect many aspects of your life, particularly as they pertain to relationships. An immense amount of people can personally relate to your experience yet don’t seek financial retribution from an entity (or person) for the abuse caused to them by another. In reality, money can not compensate – forgiveness will heal. As sad as the situation is, it seems to me that you need to live & stop grieving – heal and stop bludgeoning yourself. Move on & enjoy life. There are many ways to earn money & this one is ultimately hurting you emotionally as you pine over it daily.
Wishing you peace & happiness…
from one who knows. Let it go.
A friend.
Is it really a crusade if all he wants is money? It sounds like he is suffering in many ways and money would not solve it. I do think he may help others that has gone through the same thing but I don’t really think he knows what will make him happy. I really do feel for this man.
Wow. This makes me want to visit D.C. not for the normal tourist attractions but to see these people. He is probably going about his crusade wrong… but I believe this action offers him more peace than a financial settlement would and in this way, it allows more people to see what has happened. As a victim of sexual abuse… if my abuser offered me $10,000 it would still not take away the pain ever. But, to stand outside his home with a sign daily so people could see what he done, would almost be freeing.
I think that if he wants the Church to provide financial compensation, he should probably approach them in a much different way – which is problematic, since, frankly, I think the way he’s going about it now is the way they really deserve to be approached. Either way, this is terribly sad. I’m glad you talked to him. It probably gave him a lot of strength.
I think he is a prayer. Standing there day after day, year after year. His actions and his sufferings must be a powerful offering unto the Lord…look at the secrets of the Catholic church being exsposed now.
WOW….that story really got me. Good for him and good for you. A man with conviction is a beautiful thing. I think what he is doing is great. It ruined his world as Im sure it has ruined many others. He’s standing up for himself and those who cant. We need more Johns in this world. Im just sorry it happened in the first place but we all have a mission and this must be Johns. Im in Colorado but if I get to Washington DC Im going to stop and say hello. Maybe he’ll let me hold his sign for him. Thanks John. You’re my hero:)
He needs therapy more than money; although I wonder how he provides for himself while standing there every day?
He’s IN therapy……………………….every time he holds his sign. Money would be a BONUS.
I don’t think he really wants money. I think he wants accountability and I don’t blame him. Unfortunately, he will probably never actually receive either one, BUT hopefully, at some point in his life, he will come to realize that he is allowing the Catholic church to OWN him and once he does, he can choose to take his life back.
I found your story on AOL and appreciate what you are doing. You are a gifted writer and touch people’s hearts by your generosity. I was molested by a boss at work when I was 17. I almost didn’t recover and was throwing my life away when I met my darling husband, my best friend and finally a man I could trust. My molester committed suicide years later and I attended his funeral. It’s a pitiful trap, what these molesters and sexual perpertraters do to ruin young lives. At some point, forgiveness has to play a key, whether you’re religious or not. Finding love made all the difference for me. I pray John finds the peace he’s looking for because it really is about eventually accepting what happened to you. In his case, he’s fighting a much bigger cause and hoping to protect future victims. How noble is that? Very noble, indeed. I will be featuring your blog on my blog today and I hope you stop by at http://www.mydeartrash.blogspot.com.
Laura
When a person is physically, sexually, emotionally abused by another it irrevocably changes their life. It has been said that 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 5 boys will be sexually abused by their 18th birthday. This is not an isolated or small problem. I feel for John because I was also abused as a young boy. There is no erasing the memories. Many men who were abused as children would do anything to remove the memory of their abuse. I often feel that way and struggle with depression and suicidal ideation, among other things. Many survivors of childhood abuse live their lives as “victims”. This is a very difficult, deep, and painful thing to live with. I believe there is a lot of latent anger in those who were abused (men and women alike). And justifiably so because as John has seen, no one–with the power to do anything about it–seems to want to hear about it or do anything about it.
Is John going about his crusade in the right way? I don’t know. Maybe not. But on the other hand, I don’t know what would actually work either. What else can he do? Who will listen? Who is actually interested in this issue? Who cares? Who is brave enough (besides John) to stand up and say something? The negative stigma attached to being a man who was sexually abused as a child is difficult to transform. Who wants to be the friend (or employer) of someone who has openly confessed to having been sexually abused? If the numbers are accurate, and 1 in 5 men have been abused, then there is a possibility that there are men in positions of power/authority who can do something about it. Those very same men may also be perpetuating the abuse and may not want to do anything about it. After all, it is frequently a man of power/authority who commits acts like these… The men in power who have been abused and can do something about will no doubt be at odds with the men in power who are the abusers… One thing for sure, acts of brutality against our fellow man will continue and I don’t know that any amount of money would make me “happy”, or make me feel better about having been abused. So I ask John, “Will money really solve the problem for you? Will money erase the memories? Will money give you true peace and ease your mind? What would you do with the money?”
John, I wish you the best of luck and peace in your heart. I wish you would get the financial retribution you deserve because what that person did to you (in my book) is considered murder, murder of your innocence. That’s how I feel about all child molestors! The punishment they should receive is life in prison or the death sentence.
But you are in my thoughts and heart and again I wish you peace.
I know of a man that is now 48 years old. He and his brothers were molested by a priest in California years ago. This person has achieved so much in business school, medical school, etc, but his whole life has been a mess because of the priest. He is unable to commit to a relationship, took years of counseling to find himself and what he wanted to do. I am sure there are hundreds if not thousands of lives affected by the Catholic Church and their denials.
Very true. It’s really sad to think that the very people you’re supposed to trust are the ones who hurt you in the process. I grew up in a community that predominantly Catholic, and news of priests sexually abusing kids isn’t something new. Yet no one does much about it, because of the power the church has. I find it very hypocritical that they preach about goodness and heaven when dealing with these issues isn’t something they even think about.
I don’t quite agree with the method that this man is doing, because after a while, people would end up ignoring him. You know how when one becomes familiar, it gets taken for granted? John isn’t the only one in the world who’s experienced this and been turned away. If he could connect with others, then it could result to something more positive.
It must be therpeudic for John so if this the route God would have him take then so be it. I pray that John prays for comfort and direction.
As far as the Catholic religion I have read that it’s at the seat of one of many of Satan’s tries at destroying people and their faith. (Amazingfacts.org) I’m not saying that the people are because I’m sure there are Catholic followers who are victims too, just like John.
I am a descendant of Poland through my Papa who moved from Poland to Michigan many moons ago. Who knows maybe John and I are related somewhere down the road.
I feel for John in that I have had an experience where my ex-step father was charged in two sexual assault charges and it does change your life.
This man is doing what he feels he needs just to survive another day. That kind of pain can eat you alive, it makes you obsessive. I can understand the reason he does what he does everyday. I bet he would feel guilty if he didn’t speak out for himself and others. Like Leslie I wish him peace.
This man’s story is truly a testimony to the destruction of abuse. Although I am not sure how financial retribution will help heal his deep wound, it seems it’s the least the church could do. Perhaps the significance is simply in the acknowledgement that something very precious was taken from him against his will.
Scripture says “love mercy”. He needs to implement this forgiveness, as a way to find peace in his life, rather then choosing to remain a victim. Perhaps he needs intensive counseling to achieve this, regardless of any religious doctrines. The hard truth is that life is not fair. Period! Though dramatic, his message is not effective and someone needs to connect with him to provide legal services for closure on this situation. The Catholic religion is a big business and justice can come from this, if the efforts are funneled in the right direction. Channel these energies in a solution oriented way.
No one knows what is like to be sexually abuse unless you have live that experience. The emotional pain is beyond imaginable. My question is how financial retribution going to erase what happened to him? Money does not erase the things that happen in the pass. The bad and good experience will remain within until the day you die. I do commend his bravery to be out there day in and day out expressing his pain with the signs, but it seems that approach is not helping him to get what he wants. I do agree with Leslie… I wish he could come to some kind of peace within. We need to pray for this man. God help him he had live too many years with his pain. I hope this avenue of communication can assist him to get what he wants.
We are not all Catholics but we are all sinners. Christ died for all our sins. My sins, Johns sins, your sins and yes that evil person who is a priest that assaulted John. We must answer for our own sins on judgement day. Money can not buy happiness. John will not find his way with a monitary settlement. We all must forgive and go on through the love and goodness of our Creator.
If John could only forgive no matter how hard it is and go on with his life. His faith and the strength of God will give him eternal happiness. He must forget about his greed and lust for money because it will not make anything better. Forgiveness will.
Lou O’B…
I all of these responses to John (the victim) and his problem, the sign, the journey, the money, etc. it seems you and I are among the few that even use the word or idea of “forgiveness” in our comments. Forgiveness, to me, is the only way John will be able to “get over” his terrible thing that happened to him. It is sad… true, but, we learn, we grow, and we let go and give to God things we cannot handle on our own. This person that was the abuser, the priest… he will be judged accordingly by God.
I just don’t understand how this sign or any money will make John a happy man. Wonder why only two of us came up with that idea? Take care, Rocco
Just because the man who molested him was a Catholic doesn’t mean all Catholics or the vaticans office has much to do with it. Anybody can be a molestor so im not sure why the church would give/owe him money. But if this is what makes him happy and gets him through his hardships then that is all that counts I guess.
I read the story about the man with the sign about the Catholic Church, and the Pope… My first thought was, “what a terrible thing to happen to anyone.” But, you might be interested to know that I also am Catholic, as a matter of fact “a cradle Catholic,” with 12 years of Catholic school in Birmingham, AL. I was an altar boy for many years in grammar school, altar server (as they are called these days because little girls are able to participate)
But there was never an uncomfotable time in my life being around a priest. I’m not naive, and I know this sort of thing happens and is very hurtful and harmful… terrible if it ever happens to anyone… BUT then my thought process went from “a terrible tragedy” to a “possible blessing” that may be hidden by so many that this has unfortunately happened to. I am a stage four throat cancer survivor for 14 years now, and I have found “blessings” in in that terrible time in my life. I did go through lots of radiation and chemo, but before I could have an operation… it went away totally. (miracle, I suppose) I still have some post radiation difficulties in my life, but I am happy to have survived this ordeal… and the thing about it was, I know I was drawn totally to God when I was diagnosed, and when this terrible thing happened to me. My point is, when things go terribly wrong, for whatever reason in your life… this “thing that happened” can change your life for the good if you do ONE thing. You thank God for your life, and then you forgive. If you can’t or don’t forgive… you actually hurt your connection with the Lord. HE The Lord) is the one man that lived on this earth, is the Son of God, and lived and died to save humanity. He was beaten, flogged, whipped, spat upon, hung on a tree, and before He died, He asked His Father in Heaven to “forgive them.” (for they know not what they do) He tells us to love our neighbor as ourself, and to also LOVE or enemies. To ME, this man John may not be being inspired by God, but MAYBE something or someone on the “other side.” IF you believe in God and/or the devil… which one do you believe would be happier with John’s sign and actions? May God bless John today.
I would imagine that there are attorneys that would take his case pro-bono. Maybe the ACLU could step in and help him?
There seems too many organizations, corporations and companies that aren’t owning up to anything anymore, and getting away with treating people the way they do because they can. I’ve personally experienced it, and often wonder what will ultimately have to happen before such structures give way and fall?
Regardless of whether one deems John crazy or not, you’d think that an organization that bases itself on the ideals of Grace and Compassion would at least offer a compassionate ear by sitting down with him to hear his story. Apparently the guilt and fear of the Catholic church is reflecting back to the very institution that has perpetuated it for so long.
Thank you Reed for lending John and others you encounter the ear of Grace and Compassion that they deserve; and in so doing, helping them ease their pain!
My heart goes out for this gentleman as well. Even though i am not in his shoes,i was too molested and violated physically , emotionally and sexually by a stepfather that my mother still protects. Now i am 33 years old and i had a choice- i could still live in the past, (which i did for many years and it lead me down a very hard road) or made the choice that i did which was to let go and let Jesus Christ take away my pain and hurt and restore me again. I had to learn to forgive my stepfather but i do not associate or will i associate with him ever again. I have moved on, am a licenced therapist, i have a normal relationship and am freed of my nightmare. i am able to empower others to move forward in their lives. John may never get the acknowedgement he craves from the catholic church but he must forgive and move on- he will die a miserable man if he doesn’t. My stepfather has never acknowedge the pain and suffereing he caused me over the years but what the devil meant for bad, God turned it around for good. I’m so happy now that i can say that i’m free from the pain and suffering that i endured. He has to make the decision to let go. He can help other survivers get through their pain. I think that psychotherapy would also help him.
I think John is going about it in a peaceful manner, someone who is that passionate about a certain cause will indeed get the outcome sometime in the future. Look at Martin Luther King he was not alive to see all his hard work pay off, but in the future things have changed. I think it is the right thing to do and it was great that you talked to him and posted this on your website to get the word out about his pain and suffering.
Every person deserves some sort of way to speak out and educate and this is his way of doing so, once people understand what his passion is and why he is doing it more and more people will speak out and end this issue within the Catholic church’s. My family knows what the feelings are that he has my brother was approached by a pastor and my family spoke out about it and educate people and other charges were not filed due to the statue of limitations as well. GO JOHN!!
This makes me cry.
I know several people who have been molested and it changes you and affects the rest of your life. How this man deals with his pain is up to him. I pray he someday finds peace.
I think that John is losing by allowing the past to run and ruin his life even further. He needs to take back the power that the abuser has over him. Only then can he be at peace witth himself and enjoy his life. In essence he might win the battle, but lose the war. His time would better be spent in therapy. Do you think a financial settlement will ease his emotional pain? I do not.
John must develop a more cogent strategy by seeking legal counsel. Perhaps someone would take his case pro bono especially now that all of Europe and South America are in an outrage over priests molesting children and the efforts by the Vatican to cover up by just ignoring the plaintiffs. This man deserves justice and Benedict XVI and his cronies must come clean and repent their sins like the Church hounds its 1 billion Catholics worldwide to do every chance the clergy has a chance. Jesus Christ would be disgusted how his priesthood turned out and how dysfunctional it is. May God keep our children safe from these preditors and may justice be granted to those who are suffering and to those who will be suffering from these perverted criminals who hide behind their ROMAN collar. Bless you John and may you find some peace and justice for yourself.
Maybe he would consider financial retribution as at least something from them… They can’t take back what happened, but if they were to offer money, they would at least be admitting that it happened. Acknowledgement would probably go a very long way for him.
James B. said: “Jesus Christ would be disgusted how his priesthood turned out and how dysfunctional it is.”
I don’t think so sir. If you remember Jesus asked His Father in Heaven, “Father, forgive them, for they know NOT WHAT THEY DO !!!” Jesus asked us to forgive, and not judge even for such a horrific offense. “Vengence is the Lord’s.”
To James B. There are many wonderful and loving priests in the Church… some of them (a small %) turned out to be something other than what Jesus wanted… they will be judged, but not by you John B. My prayers, hopes, and well wishes go out to this John with his sign, and for any of those who were taken advantage of by horrible people (whomever they are… priests, lay people, men and women from every other faith and religion) They too will be judged. MONEY won’t buy John any peace or happiness. Forgiveness will. Then his connection with God will be blessed forever.
How touching and so very sad. I hope he finds peace someday – somehow.
4th pp… says he was molested by a Catholic. You probably don’t want to make it sound like he was molested by just any old Catholic, but rather a Catholic Priest.
It was a typo. I have corrected that, thanks for the watchful eye!
Found your site through the link on the story on AOL and I’ve got to tell you…it has truly inspired me!
This morning I happened to stumble on story on CNN about the Pope’s response to abuse scandal and his meeting with victims, the Survivor Network of those Abused by Priests was mentioned in the story and I immediately thought about John.
Perhaps someone in the area (I live in Florida) can refer John W. to it? Maybe the support of others who have gone through the same can help or maybe he can join forces with others to finally get the resolution he’s looking for.
Here’s the link to the local chapters:
http://www.snapnetwork.org/snap_regional_offices/snap_local_eastcoast.htm#dc
May God bless John with peace and tranquility. May he find healing and love in the Lord. His life is filled with pain and hatred. I pity him. I pity all who read his sign and believe the Catholic church is lead by monsters. It is not. The church is filled with wonderful men and women who dedicate their lives to God. There are always twisted souls who do great harm in all walks in life. I pray that all who are angry with the Catholic church, will spend a little time each day praying for it’s renewal. I spent my life as a protestant, and converted to Catholicism in my 50’s. I have not regretted my decision for a minute. I have known many pure, righteous people within the church, and it is a great blessing to worship with them each week. May God bless Protestants and Catholics alike, and someday soon reunite them!!
I really appreciate your comments…
May God bless you and all who follow the teachings of Jesus, and all of those who struggle in this life for any reason, and understand how forgiveness works for their own good… and the good of others… even those who hurt us.
Dearest John, I understand the grief and anger you have because I myself was molested as a child and my own child was molested. I was so angry! So hurt! After my child was molested my heart was like a rock, hard and unwilling to trust. Then one day I was listening to a lovely woman talking about her abuse and how she forgave her abuser. Upset, I asked her HOW could you FORGIVE him? She said this simple sentence to me, “I’m not the one who committed the sin” You are not the sinner here. Your abuser will have to face God. I forgave the next day and have had peace in my heart ever since. No amount of money would have given me the peace I have now more than 20 years later. I’ll be praying that you get the peace you need. God Bless you.
To PENNY:
Loved your comments. Forgiveness is his HOPE.
Lady’s quote: “I’m not the one who committed the sin” You are not the sinner here. Your abuser will have to face God.
And Penny said:
I forgave the next day and have had peace in my heart ever since. (20 years)
Your way of explaining “forgiveness” is much better than mine. Thank you.
When I read this I didn’t see it as though getting money would fix all his problems, rather that if the church paid him money that would be admitting a wrong, whether or not it was accompanied with any words. If they paid, they acknowledge the wrong.
I have a feeling that maybe if he spoke to these people and they said they were terribly sorry for what another priest did to him (rather than tell him he is stupid or what have you), that might be enough.
amazing story. too bad the priests he’s encountered aren’t supportive at all. they should at least acknowledge the wrong done to him, offer some kind of console…very sad.
[…] thoughts and messages but it was difficult to follow his logic. It reminded me a little bit of John from Day 121. Both men are extremely nice. Both have turned to signs to spread their message. And I think […]
[…] years ago I met John Wojnowski on Day 121 of my Year of Giving. He’s an intriguing man. Every day he sits in front of the […]