Wow, lots of new changes to my life. New home, new job, new dog...I am looking very forward to moving ahead. I called today to have the Kirby House phone lines disconnected effective tomorrow, March 1st. My only contact will be 616-405-6879. That is the cell phone number I have had for years but didn't use it that much.
Heading out to Friedl's tonight for dinner. Tom is making Brats. I'll try to post more information tomorrow. Spending a lot of the day cleaning up Kirby House. Bye~! - Jimmy
Dear Jim,
ReplyDeleteIt has been a long time since I have visited your blog. I read some of it yesterday. I was happy I did because I wanted to be informed of any major developments with Kirby House.
I am happy for you that you have chosen to do what you feel is right for you. You have shown us so much courage and honesty in your search for healing by sharing this journey with us.
I had a dream this morning. I checked into Kirby House for the weekend. I suddenly heard furniture being pushed around from upstairs. I ran to the edge of the front stairs to see what the commotion was all about. I saw movers gathering up the furniture and all the lights were off. I knew at that moment in my dream that you had moved on.
I was even crying in my dream because that is how much love I felt there.
Remember, Home is a power you take with you.
I will always be grateful for all the memories of Kirby House as I was always searching for a sense of home.
Truth, Wisdom, Love and Sincerity, to you.
Rob
Chicago, IL
I found this message I sent years ago.
ReplyDeleteIt is timeless and expreses how I feel.
I needed to share this again.
Rob Scott - Chicago, IL
January 21st 2010
Jim, before I begin, I wanted to say my thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. I understand the pain of losing a loved one. Yet, I can’t imagine your loss. It is easy to say where is God during times of suffering? If you want to know where God is then look around at the outpouring of Love. God is Love. Let go and let yourself fall into the arms of this Love. May God comfort you as you continue on your journey and may you one day find healing.
I remember my first visit with my partner and his close friends to Kirby House. We left Chicago in an ice storm and traveled several hours after a hectic work week in December.
We arrived around midnight. I remember walking in through the front door with the holiday decorations and dimmed lighting in the front parlor and the smell of home cooking that still lingered in the air. It felt amazing. We all sat around the fire laughing and telling stories into the night. The best was yet to come.
I awoke in the morning with the smell of coffee and breakfast in the air. I went downstairs in my bathrobe hoping I didn’t offend the other guests. I saw Ray cooking away instantly putting everyone at ease and making them feel at home. I could tell he was in his element because he loved what he was doing. Most people spend a lifetime looking for their passion. Ray was living his dream and inviting us in to share the joy.
Later that morning, the dining room filled with people from different parts of the country. In my heart I felt home. The breakfast was outstanding and I could hear Ray secretly laughing to our stories with you in the kitchen.
My partner and I returned to Kirby House several times. After we broke up and his friends left with him, I returned to Kirby house alone and wounded. Ray would stay up and talk with me about my ended relationship and give me encouragement. I can still hear his laugh and see his smile. I spoke to him in depth asking how he made his dream a reality. I was listening attentively for a clue to find and live my own passion.
I will always remember Thanksgiving 2008. Ray greeted me upon arrival after a long drive from Chicago and said, “Welcome home.”
His words stay with me, as do those of Mary Baker Eddy, “Home is the dearest spot on Earth and should be the center – though not the boundary – of the affections.”
The house soon filled up with last minute guests who were mostly single, looking to get away, going through breakups, having significant others who just entered rehab, or having no family of their own.
Before dinner Ray had us each go around the table and share something we were grateful for. My response, “Being in the moment with everyone at Kirby house, eating one of the best cooked turkeys and a sense of home at a time in my life when I needed it most.”
Seasons change. Summer drinks by the pool, sitting out on the wrap around porch watching the colorful leaves, or talking in front of the glow of a warm fire as the snow fell gently outside. Whatever the season, we would all gather in the Jacuzzi under the stars. The one constant through all this was Ray’s love for you, Jim, Kirby house, and the many guests who were lucky enough to have discovered it.
Jim, you will always be connected to Ray – through Love.
Truth, Wisdom, Love, and Sincerity,
Rob Scott
Chicago, IL