JL: Daddy

Author’s proof

A Tramp Biography

Lynn Lockhart Publisher

Animated, Movie, TV, Audio, Radio Rights all reserved for the Subject, referred to by his biographer as Wetzel

Dust Cover

Motel to Train Station

In April, when Smiling Alfredo hosted four knuckleheads at the American Gym in Costa Mesa, Wetzel, born and raised around Wheeling, West Virginia, visited James at the Sandpiper Inn, a place of low repute. We talked of raising family, then headed to training. The next day, as the tramp coach/writer was waiting at the train station, Wetzel visited James again to make sure he was uninjured from training. He then asked some private tips on self-defense. An odd fellowship was born there, and “Uncle James,” has become a visiting coach to the young Wetzel Clan. Daddy is the record of Young Wetzel’s journey from teenager to patriarch, as told to James.

Extended Dust Cover

Or Uncle James in Wonderland

Amid texts and calls from concerned friends that he was headed into a riot in Los Angeles, for such had been reported on the news—even in LA—Uncle James was picked up from the train station and dropped off at Wetzel’s house in North LA. Wetzel returned to work, noting that he did not lock doors, that his wife knew James would be in the guest room, and that Gloria, 2, and Ezekial, 4, might take some days to “warm up to” a new guest.

Mommy, with papoose Rudy and the two toddlers, returned as James was writing in the guest room. The two-year-old girl stayed with Mommy and the four-year-old boy spied on the stranger. James introduced himself to Mommy, finished an article, and then headed to the back yard to rehang a heavy bag and make a double ended punching bag for the patio gym.

Ezekial followed and gave James the tour of the yard, his precocious sister, Gloria tagging along: the chicken coup was extensive, the chickens counted out as six by the children, and 18 of the 20 eggs gathered. Two eggs were left for the hens. The trampoline was demonstrated, the avocado tree climbed, the sliding board slid, the electric car driven, the wagon pulled. Wondering whey every geezer did not eagerly pray to become a grandfather, the guest fell in love with this kind, redneck family, raising chickens, gardening and gathering spring water in America’s most sprawling urban center.

Before dinner, as he squared away his gear, the guest heard two little voices fairly singing, “Daddy, Daddy, Daddy—Daddy!” And recalled hearing that some 30 years younger when returning from work to its still innocent reason. At dinner, that night, Ezekiel insisted on sitting next to the guest. As they dined on fish, bread and potatoes, and Daddy made training and errand plans with Uncle James, Ezekiel spoke up, “Whatever Him and Daddy are doing, I am doing; where Him and Daddy go, I am going!”

And he did, even carrying the escrima sticks from the Pro Boxing supply store in Pasadena. Over the next few nights Wetzel told me of his journey from high school to parenthood, a tale fraught with legal, emotional, meical and social peril all the way. So we agreed to relate this tale, in hopes it will help another young fellow along the crooked ways of these later days.

Dedication

For Ezekial, Gloria and Rudy, three fresh arrows.

Inspirational Quotes

Daddy, driving: “Nobody wants to read my story.”

Mommy, holding infant Rudy: “Yes they will—it’s true. And the children, the family, should have a record of your life.”

That is enough for this old writer…

The following outline is a recollection of subjects the author discussed with Wetzel and stories he told, a memory cue for structuring the book. This will be told in the order that is easiest for Wetzel, probably not according to the chronological frame. When digressions occur within one of the 21 frames, or are necessary as a prequel to a frame, the author intends to record them as sections, with the subheadings: P = Prologue, A, B, C & E = Epilogue, in order to maintain the biographical structure for later reading.

Frame of Life

-1. What you might relate concerning your family history.

-2. The nature of your high school experience.

-3. Legal troubles as a teenager that lead to your enlistment.

-4. The enlistment process.

-5. Boot camp.

-6. Duty and Acrimony as a Sailor

-7. To the Rear Admiral’s Desk

-8. Life After Discharge

-9. Why and How: California

-10. Homeless in Los Angeles

-11. What Can Be Said About Work