… a time in his preteens, when he still actively pursued his interests in
arts and crafts. At school he delved into the creative projects with gusto and
enthusiasm of heart, while at home, he shared in his mom’s artistic endeavors
with great interest. Many hours were spent observing his mom work with the inks
and fountain pens skillfully used to draw patterns on glass. Many more hours
were also spent observing her accurately fill the patterns with oil paints and
using sheets of gold to give the final patina to the pieces of art.
It was during this time that his art teacher gave the class the big news that
they would participate in the school’s first open house. Each student was to
pick a fairly simple and straightforward project to be worked on during the
open house for visitors to see and inquire about. This immediately sparked
Showay’s somewhat dormant need for self aggrandizement into a roaring blaze. If
he could congregate people around him, he reasoned in his young heart, he would
be able to show his mom he was worthy of her love and approval.
"Look mom," he would say triumphantly to her at the end of the day, "I can be
just like you. I showed people how great I was and they gathered around me and
admired my work." "Yes," she would finally say, "you are worthy to be my
son."
