Anybody from Sarasota remember Fame Haven? I was just thinking about that place and Willy today. In Straight they used to tell horror stories about the place. I was a little scared when I landed there but soon realized I had landed up in just about the most mellow place I could have hoped for under the circumstances.
And I especially remember Willy. He had already turned 18 a couple of months prior but wouldn't leave. It was home to him and, frankly, despite the law and funding issues and all that, nobody really wanted him to leave. He was everybody's body guard at need. They even had a stated policy for Straight refugees. We couldn't leave the property for any reason unless accompanied by at least 5 people or Willie. LOL He was a big brother to the younger kids and often the most level headed person in the room when the shit was about to hit the fan in one form or fashion. But the one thing that really won me over was this one night Rosie, the cook, came back after work pretty tipsy and most down in the mouth. She was cryin into her cheap whisky, as it were. Willy got her dancing and laughing talking about how hot older chicks are and what a great dancer she was.
Just by reminding me how normal, decent people act, Willy kept me from losing my grip in a very difficult situation. I wonder how life has turned out for him. On the off chance that anybody has stayed in touch with him please give him my regards. :rose:
