The man who was the basis for the movie Catch Me If You Can and the tv series White Collar
spoke to the employees at Google. Frank Abagnale did indeed connive his way onto hundreds of international
flights, and into both a medical practice and law degree. He forged a snowstorm of checks around the world, finally being arrested in Montpellier. The bulk of this all happened when he was too young to shave.
After serving prison sentences in both France and Sweden, and the first four years of one in the United States, Frank was given the chance to work for the FBI in exchange for limited freedom. He agreed and went on to a forty year career outwitting
criminals much like himself. Only he no longer was one.
Frank was offered pardons from three sitting presidents which he declined. He believes that no piece of paper can expunge his actions, and bears the weight of regret every day of his life.
But the reason I am moved by his speech is because of his rock solid commitment to his wife.
I eventually asked her to marry me. Against the wishes of her parents, she did. Now, I could sit up here and tell you that I was born again, I saw the light, prison rehabilitated me. But the truth is God gave me a wife. She gave me three beautiful children.
She gave me a family. And she
changed my life, she and she alone. Everything I have, everything I’ve achieved, who I am today is because of the love of a woman. And the respect three boys have for their father is something I would never ever jeopardize.
I find it disheartening that movies about committed husbands don't often rake in a billion dollars, as this one
did. They are not usually the signature characteristic of television shows either, though I am grateful that there is one front and center in White Collar. West Wing and Madame Secretary too pivot around marriages that are both strong and faith based.
Plus it turns out Frank Abagnale was willing to be caught after all.
