From John Francis Dolphin

2445193707_f1287d19dc, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Dear Members of the Circus Ministry, I am in deep gratitude for the e-mail from my circus clown friends Sue and Fred Menke in Sarasota, Florida for sending me the news from Renee Storey of the Cole Bros Circus who I also remember many years ago with her parents for sending news about Jimmy James. It is good to know that Kenny Dodd, also clown of the Cole Bros circus for taking on this responsibility of the final arrangements on the death of Jimmy James. I am fully aware that Jackie LeClaire and many others and even those who are in Circus Ministry have been in contact with Jimmy James through the years. I have enjoyed seeing him at the circus at the showmens club when I would be attending the circus ministry meeting in January. It has been a few years now since I have attended the Circus Ministry meetings. But I remember so well the deep concern for all those who have retired from the circus and living in the Sarasota area of Florida. It was a deep concern of Sister Charlotte Hoblemann, who was in charge of the meeting for those involved in Circus Ministry. All the priests, Sisters and Brothers and others who were deeply concern about those who are ill or in assisted living or retirement homes not only in Florida but other parts of the United States. I know some sisters who do take the time out of their own busy schedule to visit those who are no longer in the industry. An example for all of us. And the same with the priest members and others in the circus ministry I remembering at one time visiting a retirement home where some former circus performers were living and they were delighted to see us and most of all to be remembered. They have given so much of their lives to performing in the circus to bring enjoyment to Children of all ages. Traveling from town to town under the "Big Top" by truck, trailer or train and now for some shows going from one arena to another. I always remember my own uncles, Chester Dolphin and Ray Royce (Everett Dolphin) being jugglers and traveling all over the United States and Europe etc. My own Father wanted to join his brothers but my Mother convinced him in staying home and raising a family. After all she came from Ireland at the young age of 16, the oldest of 13 children. But my uncle told me the very hard work of practicing every day so that your performance is in top shape. It is for this very reason that after the "applause" for the great performance. The people in the entertainment industry are forgotten. It is for this very reason that I personally try to make contact with those circus performers here in Bolivia as well as when I was in Chile. To help them and to say that I deeply appreciate who they are and what they are doing to bring so much enjoyment to others. This is my deep concern and thought on this Sunday afternoon, the Labor Day weekend at home in the United States, just thinking of all the performers, clowns and personnel who are involved in the administration of the circus and most of all the very hard work that is done by the workers who are setting up the tent or putting up the rigging under the tent or in buildings. And then all the work that is involved in taking everything down and getting things ready to move to another town. The care of the animals by the performers and workers also has to be kept in mind as well. It is so easy to leave a performance with a good feeling of having a wonderful time and to cast your own troubles away for a couple of hours. It is in deed thanks to all those who make circus day possible for children of all ages. So I thank Jimmy James for his many years of ministry in the circus as clown and ringmaster for the Cole Brothers Circus. He will never be forgotten. The same is true for all of you that read this that I personally thank each one of you for all the enjoyment that you have brought or are bringing to Children of all ages. It is my very deep concern that those of you who have given your lives to the circus and are retired that you are not forgotten and that someone comes to see you and say thanks and I appreciate you for all that you have given and especially your talents. It is special gift from God to bring enjoyment to Children of all ages. Henry Ringling North has written: "The circus is a jealous wrench. Indeed, that is an understatement. She is a ravening bag who sucks your vitality as a vampire drinks blood - who kills the brightest stars in her crown and who will allow no private life who serve her; wrecking their homes, ruining their bodies and destroying the happiness of their loved ones by her insatiable demands. She is all of these things, and yet, I love her as I love nothing else on earth." Let us never for get those who are ill, retired or who have gone before us in the Circus Industry. And to give a big applause to those who are performing today and give a few words of appreciation for their unique talents. Also to all the workers who are involved in this industry in the setting up and tearing down. Happy Labor Day and thanks for all that you are doing, in bringing smiles and enjoyment to others. Sincerely Brother J. Francis Dolphin, M.M. Maryknoll Missioners Casilla 550 Cochabamba, Bolivia e-mail jfdolphin@yahoo.com