Not too long ago, I talked to my first love after 25 years.  I didn’t think I’d ever do that again.  The snowball somehow survived the flames of hell.  It was quite insightful and one of those moments in life which could make a TED Talk segment.  She was Apollonia.  That’s all I will say about that.

I have often thought about the women in the Godfather Trilogy.  A judge friend and I talked about which made the most sense for a spouse or partner.  I really can’t stand Kay, Michael Corleone’s second wife after Apollonia died.   She is whiny, spoiled, and clearly doesn’t understand the Corleone vision and mission.  When Apollonia died, a huge part of Michael dies too.  Kay is the rebound of rebounds – Dennis Rodman style.  Your husband just secured peace for the Family in a brilliant incisive move and you’re all worried about your abusive philandering brother-in-law? 

But all things considered, I’ve started to think that it isn’t about either of the two I mentioned.

The real star is Vito Corleone’s wife – Carmela or Mama Corleone.  Loyal, wise, loving, practical, supportive, strong.  She knows who her husband is and what he has to do and gets it.

Vito had a great destiny.

And she was also his.

This isn’t in the movie but the book where she goes to church everyday to pray for the soul of her husband.  A little fire insurance is necessary when you’re in that line of work.

Watch the series again.  She’s the MVP.  Her role is subtle and understated.  But she’s the backbone of the Family.

Back to Apollonia.  Mine.  Things change.  It’s not so much about miracles but just life.  In the Art of War, the keys to effective strategy are a combination of justness of cause, environment, leadership, logistics, and time.  That last factor is so important.  I saw this in my casework, policy and strategic work, and other places.

All things change.