Grisham's Lessons #20 The Nature of Light

In this lesson from the second book of The Island Gang series, Legend of the Masks, Larry draws a powerful parallel. In the opening scene of Legend of the Masks Gary is up early and on deck watching the sun come up. As the sun makes its way over the horizon, every ounce of darkness is chased into hiding. Sunlight penetrates into every ounce of the scene in front of him, exposing everything to his view. He is instantly reminded of the inscription left behind by the Skyanabo people, as recorded in Legend of Crystal Cove.

The Skyanabo were a light worshipping people that had once lived in the Pacific Northwest. The brightness in the shine of the crystals they left behind was a constant reminder of he who is the giver of light.

Witnessing this scene reminds Gary of the feelings he had when he first heard the translated message from the inscription. He knew at the moment the words were read that every individual could play a role in changing the world and making it a better place, even him. All he needed to do was to look for light, for in light all truth could be found.

To the contrary evil works were a product of darkness, but withered away when exposed to light. Knowing that evil works were taking place in the secluded mine, he felt an obligation to bring things to light so that the operation would be exposed and could be dealt with.

This principle holds true in our lives. If we will stand up for what is right, and do our part in exposing evil, we too can play an important part in fighting the flood of evil that is all around us. There is often risk in taking a stand for that which is good. Gary took a big risk to expose the drug traffickers, and in the shortfall the consequences appeared grim at best. However, in the long run good prevailed and bad was chased into hiding, just like light will prevail and darkness will be chased into hiding each time those in a position to do so stand up for right.

Grisham's Lessons #19 Lost Change

In keeping with his objective of reinforcing sound principles that have application in everyday life, Larry explains how Little Imp came to be renamed Lost Change.

In this scene from Legend of Crystal Cove, The Island Gang has just fought their way to shore near the lighthouse at the mouth of Gig Harbor. The previous twelve hours had been eventful; they snuck out near dark, pushed off from Raft Island Beach, rowed across Henderson Bay, pitched the boat tent offshore from the secluded cove, went adrift while sleeping, woke to learn of their predicament, made their way to a pier to get their bearings, discovered an abandoned mine, entered the mine, witnessed a drug operation, had a narrow escape, missed Hale Passage, tried their best to row into Gig Harbor, were denied by the exit tide, and finally made it to the beach at the lighthouse.

It is then that Gary come comes up with the idea for renaming their boat. His comment is this, “… we just spent a good part of the day lost, which means we’re going to have to change the way we go about this adventure thing.”

Their intentions had been good when they left Raft Island—discover Crystal Cove. However, in their excitement they took several shortcuts—sneaking out on the boat without permission was not the least of these.

Later, in Legend of the Masks, a teaching moment is taking place and Grisham teaches, “… anything worth doing is worthy of investigation.” Having already had the experience above, that brief instruction has greater meaning.

So it is in life, sometimes we get in a hurry and take shortcuts that lead us to undesirable conclusions—putting us in a situation where we have perhaps lost our way. Ultimately we must come to grips with the inappropriate actions and make changes. Without change the likelihood of our situation changing isn’t good. The definition of insanity comes to mind—doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results.

Grisham's Lessons #18 Balanced Risk

As Larry describes a scene from Legend of Crystal Cove, you will see in The Island Gang reflections of two previous entries of Grisham’s Lessons; #16 Reckless Caution, and #14 Innocence Counts.

Having drifted to an unknown location, they are trying to determine their best course of action to get back home when their attention is sidetracked by a suspicious rail truck that has pulled into a secluded mine entrance. Curious to learn what the men are doing in the mine, Gary determines he is going to take a look. Justin and Curtis think he’s lost his mind, and while Travis and Wendy agree that it’s a crazy idea—they end up going in with him.

The kids don’t have enough experience to plan for not letting Gary go alone, and leaving half of the team outside of the mine, but innocence works in their favor and that is what happens. Inside the mine they learn that it is a marijuana growing operation, and realize that they have entered a dangerous situation. Having Shadow with them on the inside, they benefit, both from their combined knowledge and insight, and the instinct of man’s best friend—an intelligent malamute. With half of their team outside the mine there is someone to go for help should things not go as planned.

When they become temporarily trapped inside the mine, Shadow helps them find a way out. Those on the outside have worked on an alternative plan, but wait patiently hoping for a good ending. Innocent as it may be, they balance their risk and safely yet narrowly, escape what could have been a tragic situation.

The end result is greater depth of experience, and while they may not do things that much differently in the future, they will have a better plan for recovery in case things don’t go as planned. When entering territory where things can change rapidly, it is good to have experience on your side, and to balance the risk.

Grisham's Lessons #17 Keep Alert

In Grisham’s lessons Larry identifies excerpts or concepts from the books, drawing parallels between them and situations that play out in life. There are several times in Legend of Crystal Cove where the kids that make up The Island Gang enter a mine, cave or tunnel and find themselves in the pitch black. In one instance they have just tied their boat to a pier, crossed some railroad tracks, and entered into an abandoned mine, which they later learn is not all that abandoned. As they remain completely still there in the dark, smells previously unnoticed and sounds otherwise ignored become evident.

When we find ourselves in unusual or unfamiliar situations, it is wise to step out of ourselves for a moment, taking notice of things in our surroundings that may not be blatantly obvious. This practice causes other senses to kick in and will help us to make better decisions than if we ignore the practice.

There is much in life that is alluring. Pausing to consider our other senses as we become exposed to an alluring or enticing environment will help us to make wise choices. The light of Christ is given to all men to help them know right from wrong and good from evil. Crass music, lewd media and course language can drown out the sensation that this special light offers. Crass, lewd and course are not cool. It only takes a few minutes to research the path that those caught in these poor habits follow.

True happiness is born of virtue, loyalty, achievement, which are found along a path that is completely opposite of crass, lewd and course.

Grisham's Lessons #16 Reckless Caution

In creating The Island Gang, Larry has put together quite a team of personalities. In Legend of Crystal Cove, the kids push off from Raft Island Beach and head out into Henderson Bay following clues uncovered at Dead Man’s. Gary stands ready to strike out into the unknown with little or no care as to consequences. Curtis, though a follower and always right in the mix, will generally be found sounding the voice of warning. Wendy and Travis, initially stunned at some of Gary’s suggestions aren’t about to be left behind and don’t often let Gary out of their sight. Justin reasons through things perhaps better than the rest providing some balance and Tyler can be counted on for comic relief.

Whether in an Island Gang adventure, the school lunch bunch, or business, this is a good mix of personalities. If some risk isn’t taken the chances for real discovery are diminished. If no caution is applied, the chances of getting safely to the point of discovery are lessened. Add a couple of folks who are willing to support risky action with some applied caution, and a guy who consistently adds humor so that the team doesn’t take themselves too seriously, and you’re working on a recipe for success. This is what Larry refers to as reckless caution.

Grisham's Lessons #15 Going Adrift

In chapter 10 of Legend of Crystal Cove, Larry describes a scene where the kids set anchor just outside of what they believe to be Crystal Cove. Having come across good information while in Grisham’s shed, and solved a missing piece in the puzzle out at Dead Man’s, The Island Gang leaves Raft Island firmly committed to accomplishing a worthwhile goal. Anxiousness leads to distractions and rash decisions.

Reading the chapter one will find that a good amount of planning and preparation was put into the event, yet a small error was made. When dropping the anchor they neglect to remember that it is low tide, and don’t leave enough line to accommodate the changes that will take place through the night. The changing tide sends them drifting with the currents, and by morning they are far from their intended location.

This same phenomenon plays out in life. Something gains our interest so we do our homework, learn more about it, make some plans, and head out. Along the way it sometimes happens that we get distracted, and thinking that we are firmly anchored, we take a little detour, quite certain that we are well anchored and will wake up right where we left off and continue the journey; only to find that while were distracted we drift so far from our intended destination that nothing around us is even recognizable.

The lesson is to check and double check our heading monthly, weekly, daily … even hourly if need be. If we find that we are even the slightest off course, we must immediately make every effort required until course correction is achieved.

Grisham's Lessons #14 Innocence Counts

By Larry Johns:
In Legend of Crystal Cove Grisham teaches The Island Gang many life lessons, and he occasionally learns one from them. In the case of Dead Man’s Island, Grisham had spent several days at the burial ground searching high and low for clues to the location of Crystal Cove and came up empty handed. The kids leave Raft Island and spend one afternoon atop Dead Man’s, and come away with an otherwise hidden portion of the mystery.

There are times when experience makes the difference, and times when innocence holds the key to finding the missing piece of the puzzle. One would think that Grisham with his years of investigative experience would have been the one to find the clues Dead Man’s held, instead it was a young believing mind that heard the call in the wind and saw the dreamcatcher in the layout of the cemetery.

This lesson holds true in life. A lack of experience equates to a lack of preconceived ideas, which can prove to be beneficial. Much can be learned from watching youth interact, particularly young children; no bias, no fear, no worries. Innocence can be a very powerful tool.

Grisham's Lessons #13

In this excerpt from Legend of Crystal Cove, Larry highlights the gift of imagination. In keeping with his objectives, imagination is one of those powerful tools, that when used properly, can catapult us out of present circumstances into a new reality.

As a prelude, let us be reminded that Tyler is the autistic member of The Island Gang. And while the temptation here was to say that Tyler suffers from autism, in reality, Tyler doesn’t suffer all that much. In fact, I would venture to say that he may never suffer as much as the average person, since his limitations prevent his thoughts or actions from straying into areas that tend to create trouble. That said he does have the ability to live outside of reality, as this snippet from the chapter entitled, Maiden Voyage, depicts.

Tyler shouted, “We’re here—Land ho!”

Even though they had been in sight of land the entire 35 minutes, in Tyler’s mind they were in the middle of the ocean about to explore an uncharted island—with the very real chance of running across the Loch Ness monster. Tyler was the only person they knew who could explore exotic places without ever leaving his room. It must be cool to have an imagination like that.

In an earlier chapter Tyler has an experience with a bunch of trophy animals on display in Grisham’s shed. In the scene above he and the gang have set out on an adventure and he has no problem imagining that they might have experiences similar to what Grisham has had on his adventures.

Perhaps most youngsters can watch Hook the movie and see themselves in the script. For Tyler it’s a bit different. Having watched the movie so many times, when situations in the lives of The Island Gang take on any similarity to a scene from the movie, he instantly sees them in the scene from the movie, as opposed to seeing them in their actual surroundings (check out the scene in chapter entitled, Sedgwick, in Legend of Crystal Cove. Lines from Hook come to his mind and he adds some humor to an otherwise tense situation.

Larry believes that this level of imagination is healthy, even necessary for causing significant changes to one’s life. If you can’t see yourself as a college graduate, the chances of achieving it aren’t likely; if you can’t see yourself rising from poverty, the chances of accomplishing that aren’t likely; if you can’t see yourself as an accomplished pianist, the chances of every being one aren’t likely, etc.

Lesson being, to change your reality, first, cultivate a healthy imagination. If you can’t see it, you can’t be it.

Grisham's Lessons #12 Kindness

As stated in Lesson #3, Tyler, one of The Island Gang, is autistic. Tyler is taken after Larry’s nephew who is autistic. Actions and statements are what Tyler has said, and what experience has shown that Tyler might say in given situations. Aside from entertaining, depicting situations that inspire good in others is Larry’s main objective with this series.

Tyler plays a key role in both Legend of Crystal Cove, and Legend of the Masks. While the others could easily leave Tyler behind due to his condition, they don’t. In fact, they go out of their way to include him, using his gift for memorizing, making sure they have the food he likes, helping him when he stumbles and falls, and showing genuine concern when he turns up missing on the 4th of July. They take jabs at each other like kids do, but when it really matters they stick up for each other, showing kindness that is missing all too often in relationships, both interpersonal and casual.

Grisham's Lessons #11 Teamwork

In Chapter 5 of Legend of Crystal Cove, Larry has a great illustration of teamwork. The Island Gang is using the boat dolly Grisham made them for the first time. With the dolly they will be able to get Little Imp down to the boat launch at Raft Island Beach all by themselves. As they begin to maneuver the vessel, Grisham sees them struggling, and then gives them some advice. His advice gets the one person who was not yet involved to perform a task that made the process easier and safer for all.

And that’s the way it is with teamwork. When all on the team are both willing and allowed to contribute, the result is always better than the alternative. This principle is worthy of a little consideration. There are times when all are invited to contribute, yet one or more don’t. There are also times when all are willing to contribute, but one or more aren’t included. In either situation, the value of the team is compromised.

Too often teamwork is too much about the end score, and not enough about the participants. Every team (sports, work, school, etc.) should have a higher purpose than just numbers. Placing people in situations where they can develop and achieve, and then allowing that process to take place, is far more rewarding than sacrificing one or more in order to hit the number.

Grisham's Lessons #10 Understanding

With confession out of the way, The Island Gang could begin to repair any damage that was done. Grisham had listened carefully to their explanation of how they ended up in the loft. He saw the look on their faces and could discern their countenances. He instantly knew they meant no harm. They had not gone there as vandals or thieves—but out of curiosity. The nose of a dog never lies—they had no choice but to follow!

“My treasure box!” Grisham replied gleefully, as if they’d found something he had misplaced years ago. “Whenever I’ve come across unusual documents through the years, I tucked them away in that box. The plan was that after I retired, Lucille and I would spend our time sailing and exploring for hidden treasure.”

See, Grisham wasn’t even upset. Instead he was understanding and instantly realized that those items he had placed away for safekeeping—items that had provided him excitement and anticipation—could now be a source of excitement for someone else—even those who shared his passion for the northwest.

This scene takes place in Legend of Crystal Cove. Grisham's property is located on Raft Island, which is located in Henderson Bay, just off of the west shore of the Ray Nash area of Gig Harbor. Future editions of Grisham's Lessons may come from Legend of Crystal Cove, Legend of the Masks, Legend of the Orcas, Legend of Walking Stick, or Legend of the Creation.

The Island Gang is authored by Larry Johns of Gig Harbor, WA. With each title the characters are one year older. Each title includes a different Native American legend, which plays a key role in the development of the story.

Grisham's Lessons #9 Honesty

For some the hardest part is confession. In Legend of Crystal Cove, The Island Gang hadn’t gone to the shed that day intent on getting into Grisham’s private stuff, but when Shadow picked up a scent and discovered that the door to the loft had been left ajar, they couldn’t help but have a look.

“That’s the next thing we need to talk to you about,” said Gary. “One time when we were out in the shed, Shadow ran up the stairs to the loft room, and pushed the door open with his nose. We knew the door was always locked, but when Shadow opened it, we couldn’t resist the urge to have a look …”
“ … We know it’s your private stuff,” Wendy said, cutting into the conversation. “We’re sorry.”
“ … They dropped their shoulders—a little ashamed of their actions. “While we were in there, this metal box sort of jumped out at us.”

See, that was the hard part. And, it was all Shadow’s fault—if Shadow hadn’t followed a scent up the stairs, they would have never gotten into the loft room, after all it had always been locked in past …

This scene takes place in Legend of Crystal Cove. Grisham's property is located on Raft Island, which is located in Henderson Bay, just off of the west shore of the Ray Nash area of Gig Harbor. Future editions of Grisham's Lessons may come from Legend of Crystal Cove, Legend of the Masks, Legend of the Orcas, Legend of Walking Stick, or Legend of the Creation.

The Island Gang is authored by Larry Johns of Gig Harbor, WA. With each title the characters are one year older. Each title includes a different Native American legend, which plays a key role in the development of the story.

Grisham's Lessons #8 Helping other's dreams come true

Listening to The Island Gang make plans to get out on the water Grisham was reminded of his younger years—and his not so younger years. Being out on the water had dominated Grisham’s dreams from his youth, and had never really left. Something about the feeling of freedom and sense of adventure that came over him every time he hit the open water drove him to relive the experience over and over.

Now there was this new generation that had the same hunger for the water that had driven him to sea all of his life. Seeing the excitement in their eyes each time they got closer to realizing the dream of their own boat was enough to push Grisham to work all the harder getting Little Imp seaworthy.

Grisham knew of their plans to become marooned at Dead Man’s, but couldn’t bring himself to spoil their adventure. He’d explored the Native American burial ground himself and couldn’t really see the harm in it.

Knowing their dreams were attainable was all the motivation The Island Gang needed to put their all into completing the tasks that Grisham required in exchange for Little Imp.

It doesn’t take much to help keep the dreams of others alive. A little encouragement and recognition go along way.

Grisham's Lessons #7 Sacrifice

Larry’s perspective on MS comes from his grandmother who suffered with the disease for years. The character Reg Grisham is actually taken from Larry’s grandfather, whose soul purpose in life was to make his ailing wife as comfortable as possible. His grandfather didn’t live near the water, and didn’t have a sailing yacht, but he did willingly lay aside all of his personal desires to care for his wife.

In Legend of Crystal Cove, Grisham, upon learning that Lucille’s disease had progressed to the point that she required more care than he was able to provide alone, Grisham located Le Chateau, an all inclusive senior care center that could do what he could not. Le Chateau was much more than an assisted living center. It was a large campus that included private condo’s, senior apartments, as well as assisted living facilities equipped to handle all types of patient care. With the exception of extensive surgeries, which were handled at the nearby hospital, full medical care was available onsite.

Le Chateau was located on piece of land overlooking the Narrows, and included amenities that allowed folks to do as much as they were able without leaving the gated community. Golf, tennis, beautiful gardens, a hall for social gatherings, a movie theatre, and a large pool were all part of the offering.

The love of Grisham’s life, aside from Lucille, was his 52’ sailing yacht, Sea Imp. She was the result of years of hard work and saving, and the fulfillment of a dream. He would be able to hang on to his estate at Raft Island, but would need to sell Sea Imp to pay for his wife’s care at Le Chateau. Perhaps the only thing that hurt worse than parting with Sea Imp was seeing Lucille’s health decline. The yacht broker located a buyer and the deal was made—it was a decision he never regretted. In Lucille’s final years Grisham gave her the best he could, something his sweet companion was so deserving of.

Grisham's Lessons #6 Creativity

Grisham was fairly handy, evidenced by the projects and equipment that adorned his shed at the time that The Island Gang came along. Grisham’s shed had three double-wide garage doors at either end of the building, and through the center was twenty-six feet to the ceiling.

He’d built a loft style office in the center of the shed. It was suspended by steel cross members that spanned the width of the shed, allowing for unencumbered access through the middle. A three quarter’s high perpendicular wall installed at the center of the far side of the shed divided one section of the shed front to back. The wall was used to hang boat supplies. Just below the wall a floor drain had been installed. The drain served both sides of the wall, allowing items to be put away following use whether they were wet or dry. Little Imp’s stand took up the floor area on one side of the wall, while her trailer was stored on the opposite side.

The past couple of years Grisham’s creative side had gone into remission. Between the full time care of his terminally ill companion and the grief he felt at watching her health deteriorate rapidly it was all he could do to manage daily duties.

Then The Island Gang came into his life. Seeing their desire to get out on the water, and feeling their youthful zeal for life, creativity returned. Once Little Imp was ready for use, he immediately saw the need the kids would have of getting the boat from the shed to the boat launch. Back in the day it had been fine to leave the boat down at the beach, however with all of the work that had been done to Little Imp it was too risky to leave her out in the open where she would be subject to weather and vandalism. Grisham went to work in the garage, and invented a boat dolly. The boat dolly was basically a contraption that turned the boat into an oversized wheelbarrow. It took effort, but working together the kids were able to get the boat to the beach and back. Necessity is the mother of invention, and that is only augmented by the desire to help those who are not in a position to help themselves.

Grisham's Lessons #5 Trust

It is common to say that trust must be earned, and generally Larry would agree, particularly if one has just met an individual and knows nothing about them and, in the case where trust has been compromised. However it is often not bad thing to extend a little trust from the beginning of a relationship, especially when you do have some history on the individual(s). Extending trust can be an empowering thing. Knowing that one has been extended trust can lead to an extremely loyal relationship.

In Legend of Crystal Cove, Grisham extends trust immediately to The Island Gang. He doesn’t know them personally (other than Wendy with whom he has had brief association), but has known their families for years. He knows that they want something of his, and he has thought of something they can do to in essence pay for that which they want. Grisham's estate on Raft Island has been neglected due to his having spent the past two years at an assisted living center with his wife, whose health was failing. The chores he has in mind involve getting the yard work caught up and cleaning out the shed. Mind you, this shed is 6,000 square feet of garage and storage space that has been collecting stuff for years. It has been the catchall for both treasures and trash, and the kids discover a lot of both as they get to work. Other than borrowing the map of Dead Man’s Island from Grisham’s treasure box for a short while, they never do anything to break trust with Grisham. Their friendship becomes so strong that the kids trust Grisham with news they wouldn’t share with their parents, which works in their favor once or twice …

Grisham's Lessons #4 Friendship

While not commonplace, it sometimes happens that new acquaintances feel an almost instant kinship that quickly develops into a lasting friendship. When this takes place it is due to the guileless spirits of those involved, wherein they quickly see the good in one another and are attracted to that. Larry describes how this quick connection takes place in The Island Gang, Legend of Crystal Cove, between Mr. Grisham and Wendy. Though Wendy is instantly startled when she first sees that Grisham has been watching her on the porch swing, and is in a hurry to collect her shells and head home, she is comfortable with his invitation to use the porch swing at her leisure, and soon returns to enjoy the view from his swing once more. When she does, she hears a muffled noise coming from the rear of the house. Her curiosity is piqued, and she carefully makes her way along the wraparound porch. What she witnesses evokes in her a deep sense of compassion, causing her emotions to surface. Realizing that she is witnessing a private moment, she attempts to make her way quietly back to the swing, yet her feet seem to find every squeaky board in the decking. She quickly mounts the swing and begins to sing. In the scene that follows the lasting bond I refer to above is formed.

Grisham's Lessons #3 Service brings blessings

In this scene from Legend of Crystal Cove of The Island Gang series, Grisham agrees to help The Island Gang get Little Imp (his high end dinghy that has sat abandoned since the sale of his yacht) into seaworthy condition. As he gets involved with the kids he finds deep personal satisfaction. The kids love the water as much as he does, and he can see in them shades of himself as a youngster. Tyler, one of the boys, is autistic. Grisham is impressed with the way they include Tyler, making him feel like he belongs. His interactions with The Island Gang give him hope for the future. It isn’t long before his casual friendship with kids develops into something much more. Check out The Island Gang, by Larry Johns.

Grisham's Lessons #2 The unexpected can change everything

In this scene from Legend of Crystal Cove of The Island Gang series, Larry describes the heartbreak Grisham is feeling at the loss of his bride of 43 years. One day he is having a tearful moment inside his home when he hears singing coming from his porch. Quietly he opens the side door to find a young girl on his porch swing, singing as if she were alone in the world. The words to “Sunshine On My Shoulders” (John Denver) and clarity of tone in her voice catch him quite off guard. Wendy, who due to the condition of the yard, thought she had wandered onto an abandoned estate, suddenly senses that she is being watched. She quickly turns to find Grisham in the doorway behind her. There is an awkward moment, followed by an invitation from Grisham to come use the swing anytime.

Grisham's Lessons #1 Stay open minded

By author Larry Johns. The Island Gang is just forming as they come into contact with Mr. Grisham. Grisham is at the lowest point in his life, having recently lost his wife. Together they had fought through years of MS and just two years earlier the unrelenting disease had caused her to become bedridden. Then that chapter of his life came to a close. He is deep in despair when the kids show up wanting to learn more about the dinghy that sits amongst a clump of overgrown berry bushes down at Raft Island Beach. Seeing a chance to help some kids accomplish their dream, he allows them into his life. He did not know at the time what association with these kids would bring.

Grisham's lessons will include both things learned and things taught. This lesson comes from Legend of Crystal Cove. Future postings could include lessons from Legend of the Masks, Legend of the Orcas, Legend of Walking Stick, or Legend of the Creation. You can find The Island Gang at Amazon.com, Borders.com, or it is available through your favorite bookstore.