A Message From Jim

For those of you who came to see Ivy at French, chances are you saw a rowdy looking guy in a leather jacket crashed out on the grass outside the ICU. That was Jim Gillespie, a long time friend of the family. He was there with us pretty much around the clock, catching naps in Frank's truck. Like so many of those who came to see Ivy, he's been a huge source of comfort to us. Yesterday he sent a message for Ivy and I thought I'd share it....

Ivy ,
I'm hoping that the new digs in Sun Valley work wonders for you. I guess you need to touch some more people's lives before you head home. That's what you do, I know that. It's just that, unlike you, I'm selfish. . .and that part of me , wants you to keep your time down south , away from home , as short as possible. Do your thing, mind you . . . with godspeed.

I'm sure too , that you already know this , but I'll just remind you of something I saw while visiting you: A HUGE thing you have in your favor is that you are blessed with the absolute best human contact available (and vice-versa). Words cannot describe the value of family and friends, that surround you constantly. Reach to your left or right , day or night , and you'll no doubt be touching someone that adores you.

Lean on them in the days to come. Lean as hard as you have to. . .they won't bend from the weight. They welcome the burden. You can accomplish everything through strength of the people around you.

For me , this turn of events has come during a time where I am making changes in my life. I am moving out of state to see if I can start fresh elsewhere. This wears a bit heavy on me. I won't be near to see your inevitable recovery . . . so I'll have to settle with written updates as they are available.

My encounters with you have been too few , too brief , but high in quality. I've learned volumes from you lately, even though you didn't say a word. You've made me realize that the issues and problems in my life, are but minor bumps in what has been a fairly smooth road. Smooth . . .to the point of being unfair , in my opinion.

It's too bad that aspects of ones life are non-transferable. If they were , you'd be dancing in your garage this very day. Hell , with all the people around you that are willing to trade , you'd be a shoe-in for everlasting life. Since that's not the case though, we are reduced to waiting for your decision as to when you will return. So Ivy, please don't stay gone too long. The world has so much more to learn from you , and the sooner we get started . . .

Like I said , I'm selfish.

Love ya' lots , JRG (Some Knucklehead).