Something is wrong with this picture - July 16, 2012

Something is wrong with this picture - July 16, 2012


June 29, 2012

I knew that the women from the Connor’s Center were to arrive today, but I was totally caught by surprise when I heard Doug say two women were going to be signing in before the transfer and one of them was named Mary Thomas. Then after making a few phone calls to various Connor’s Center powers that be Doug proceeded to call Mary Thomas. I could hardly believe it, I was beginning to go into an emotional spin. I was delighted and shocked. Doug did not realize that he knew who Mary Thomas was. I got up and told him “It’s the blond.” His immediate reaction was “What blonde?” “Smith’s sister.” He immediately knew who I was talking about. I went and sat down. A few minutes later Mary Thomas walked through the door. Doug had her read the rules and sit down to fill out paperwork. We decided to wait until the Connor’s Center Ladies arrived before assigning her bunk, and Mary went out into the lobby to wait.

After a few minutes I signaled to Doug to step into the hall behind the desk so I could talk privately with him. “I have been paying attention to this woman for a long time, and I really like her. I have never touched her and we’ve talked very little but I find I really do like her a lot. Nothing has ever happened between us, at most I have passed some notes to her But I need to let you know how I feel about her.” Doug had a big grin across his face, And as he smiled he just patted me on the shoulder and cautioned me holding his hands in the air to play it safe and act wisely so as not to draw undue attention to a situation that could be construed the wrong way. But it was obvious he was happy for me.

A short time later sitting on the couch and Owen sitting in his chair I informed Owen of my attraction to Mary. After recollecting something that I had written to Mary about my wish that I could influence the change that would make it possible for her to check into the mission Owen, Doug and I could not help but laugh at what appeared to be one of those mysterious workings of God’s ways. But there was a general consent that the potential relationship that I could share with Mary would be received in a positive light.

July 4, 2012

Saturday night I asked a “go between” to ask Mary if she would go to church with me the next morning. I received a message through the “go between” that “Yes”, she would go to church with me. I then relayed a message for her to be in the lobby at 8:25 Sunday morning. Owen would be here at 8:30 to drive us in the mission van to Oak Hill Community Church, east of Riley, Indiana. Rev. Fagg, the Lighthouse Mission CEO Pastors here, and many of the mission employees attend. Owen arrived and I introduced him to Mary and we, and a couple mission residents loaded in the van fo a short but very quiet ride to church.

At church Mary took a seat next to Owens wife, and I sat next to her. Owen was on the opposite side of his wife and Rev Long, the administrator of the Connor Center, and his wife and family sat in the row behind us. Rev. Fagg came around and made his usual cordialities and shook our hands. During the service Mary and I shared a hymnal and Bible and talked a little. Toward the end of the service we had communion, the “Lords Supper”. I had been at Oak Hill for nine-teen months. few show an interest to extend a hand of friendship to me. It is true, I have long hair and prominent tattoos on my arms. This was the first time I took communion in over seven years. It is the first time I felt I actually had a relationship with someone I could take it with.

I have been at the Lighthouse Mission since January 2010. I became a “deskman” in May of 2010. I eventually went from the midnight shift to the evening shift and it wasn't long before I had a regular Forty hour schedule Monday through Friday four to midnight, besides coming to the desk area from 6:30 a.m. to noon to volunteer as I might be needed. This I have done for well over a year and a half now.

I passed a note of appreciation, after chapel, to a lady I had become interested in well before she came to the Lighthouse Mission and the Connors Center. For this I was dismissed from the Lighthouse Mission. It remains to be seen what actions may be taken against the lady in question. I hope none as she is innocent and took no actions that may be construed as fraternization other than to accept an invitation to go to church.

I am nearly sixty-one years old, I have no money, I have no prospects – other than what I have written and my skills as a musician. I had found a home at the Lighthouse Mission and a work that I enjoyed and felt I was a contributing member of the community. I fell in love with a lady, she is fifty-one. And although no one can attest to any actions between us that may be construed as inappropriate, I, or possibly “we”, must pay for my indiscretion of passing a note and going to church together.

Something is wrong with this picture. Can Anyone see it besides me?

July 16, 2012

I am safe, staying with a friend. The lady in question has not been dismissed, although she is being watched very closely. I believe the "mission" is acting slowly because they think I have something. They are not sure what, but something. And I do, a manuscript I wrote two years ago about my coming to the mission and first months as a resident and deskman. Besides this I am aware of inside information of the past two years which could be embarrassing to the mission. The manuscript I am seeking just how to get published. And I am waiting for situations to turn so that I may be with the lady.

Bob

Update July 30, 2012

On July 19, 2012, Mary Kathy Thomas was dismissed from the Lighthouse Mission Connor's Center for women. After a report of a stolen flashlight by another Connor Center Resident, a room search was conducted the following morning. All the rooms on the family side of the mission and men’s side were searched and no flashlight was found. Mary's purse was dumped out and it was found that she had her Thyroid medications in her possession. Hers was the only purse that was searched. Other women were found to have a virtual store of food, which is also a violation of mission rules. Mary was the only resident disciplined (dismissed). When Mary checked in on June 29, 2012, she was told by the Connor's Center Staff aide/Nurse (who dispenses medications) that she (the Nurse) was not concerned because Mary's meds are non-narcotic and she should keep them in her purse. As Mary was being dismissed, she was told by Rev Long, the Connor's Center administrator, to "get the hell out ASAP", and would not allow any explanation. The two staff aides who checked Mary in (the Nurse being one of them) have NO recollection of the incident regarding checking Mary in. Mary is currently staying at the same friends I am, and sleeping on the couch. I am sleeping on the floor. As it may interest some, we have had NO intimate relations, though I do hold a very great deal of affection for Mary. We are both trying to make the best we know how, Mary has a great deal more "street smarts" than me, I, on the other hand am thinking more longer term. We have no idea what the future holds for either of us, but I can imagine sitting across from her and finishing my life in her company. And I mean a rather long life at that.