Tuesday September 4 – Corporatized
A corporation is an artificial entity created as a collective expression of the desires and purposes of a group of individual persons. It may be either for profit (to make money) or non-profit (for philanthropic purposes). The corporation is granted the same rights and privileges as an individual human being, but not being a human being, but rather a collective of a group, it does not have a soul or personal conscience. It is treated as an artificial “person” or “being” As such, persons and officials associated with the corporation may not be held responsible for the actions of the corporation, and the corporation itself liable only to what the courts may determine is fair financial compensation. Thus, a corporation may not be held accountable to the law and its penalties to the same degree as an individual citizen.
Too often, non-profit corporations are only such in name, and the corporate structure and polity so set up as to hide the real profit making intent and purpose of the corporation. This has become a legal loop hole for many such religious institutions.
And the corporation, without soul or conscience, is able to play on the good intents and minds of its supporters, spinning its image through public relations devises and charlatan antics that rival the most sophisticated Madison Avenue advertising gimmicks.
And we buy it as the truth. Sold a bill of goods not worth the paper or air it takes to speak of it.
But it seems so real, the illusion that is. And we rationalize “Better the illusion I can see, than the reality I have yet to discern”. And we content ourselves in the ignorance we “know”, ever fearful to venture beyond our limited perceptions,. That might mean that something has to change, and change is uncertain. So we take pleasure in the thought that the corporation, our religion, and our government have it all together and figured out. And the fact is, they do. And they have you just where they want you.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Sat Sept. 1 – The Fool on the Hill
Sat Sept. 1 – The Fool on the Hill
I sit on the top of a hill on Neches St. between 8th and 9th facing east. In front of me along Neches St. are public parking and across the street is a parking lot. Just to the north of this lot is a vacant lot with a hole in the fence and a number of homeless making this their abode for the nights. It is a place I’m sure the public officials would like to see cleaned up to make the city “safer”, although I know of no particular incidents. It’s just a blotch on the community. Too my left is a five story parking garage occupied during the days and open on Thursdays through Saturday evenings to serve those coming to town to party and frequent the clubs. Behind me, to the west is another parking lot, and to my right on the corner of Neches and 8th is a condemned house. The homeless often sleep on the porch and in wet weather you would find me here. To the south, across 8th St. on the other side of Neches is the Salvation Army. A large, fortress like structure, which from all I have observed is under-utilized, whether due to lack of man power support or becoming an institution that has outlived its usefulness. I don’t know. I only know that when I first arrived in town and tried to check in, it was not convenient for them and I was turned away. To the south of the Salvation Army is the ARCH (Austin Resource Center for the Homeless). This has become my center of operations. Most of my necessities of life are met here, laundry, showers, computer lab, bath room and a place to hang out – out of the heat and rain. I have not utilized their overnight sleeping accommodations yet. The weather is generally comfortable at nights and hiding in the shadows can be accomplished if one uses a bit of common sense. I have found it is best not to stay too long or too often in the same place, my perch on the top of the hill seems to be the one exception. As long as you are awake by 6:30 a.m. the police don’t seem too interested in harassing any one through the night. Across Neches, to the west of the Arch and on the south side of 8th is another parking lot taking up a full city block. Panning the area, from the east to the south and to the west, the skyline is beautiful. Not as vast as a New York City, but it is impressive. And all within walking distance.
Sitting on my hill facing east, I can hear music coming from 3 different clubs. Each night a different band at each club, except for the one which seems to cater to a black audience and it always seems to be some sort of Techno-Rap. The other two clubs, down the hill in front of me seem to have a variety of genre, from punk to sixties acid rock and some blues, a little bit of country. And these are not the clubs that Austin is known for. 6th St., located about two blocks from my hill is strung out with clubs and bars and saloons, a virtual circus of entertainment. Here you will also find individual entrepreneurs, busking or providing Tarot Card readings or virtually any other obscure service you can imagine. Not having a guitar yet, I do not spend much time here. No money and no reason. I am actually quite conservative. But once I have a guitar, and take two weeks to a month to build up callouses on my fingers and review my repertoire, I will find me a spot down here and ply my trade. I have no doubt what I can do. I know my skills, as a guitarist and a speaker. I admit though, I do prefer working with a group, but that will happen in time.
Spreading out through the downtown area, along Congress and in the richer areas there continues to be a large number of music venues catering to the richer clientele. But these are well out of my class, at least for the immediate foreseeable future. But, stranger things have happened.
I sit on the top of a hill on Neches St. between 8th and 9th facing east. In front of me along Neches St. are public parking and across the street is a parking lot. Just to the north of this lot is a vacant lot with a hole in the fence and a number of homeless making this their abode for the nights. It is a place I’m sure the public officials would like to see cleaned up to make the city “safer”, although I know of no particular incidents. It’s just a blotch on the community. Too my left is a five story parking garage occupied during the days and open on Thursdays through Saturday evenings to serve those coming to town to party and frequent the clubs. Behind me, to the west is another parking lot, and to my right on the corner of Neches and 8th is a condemned house. The homeless often sleep on the porch and in wet weather you would find me here. To the south, across 8th St. on the other side of Neches is the Salvation Army. A large, fortress like structure, which from all I have observed is under-utilized, whether due to lack of man power support or becoming an institution that has outlived its usefulness. I don’t know. I only know that when I first arrived in town and tried to check in, it was not convenient for them and I was turned away. To the south of the Salvation Army is the ARCH (Austin Resource Center for the Homeless). This has become my center of operations. Most of my necessities of life are met here, laundry, showers, computer lab, bath room and a place to hang out – out of the heat and rain. I have not utilized their overnight sleeping accommodations yet. The weather is generally comfortable at nights and hiding in the shadows can be accomplished if one uses a bit of common sense. I have found it is best not to stay too long or too often in the same place, my perch on the top of the hill seems to be the one exception. As long as you are awake by 6:30 a.m. the police don’t seem too interested in harassing any one through the night. Across Neches, to the west of the Arch and on the south side of 8th is another parking lot taking up a full city block. Panning the area, from the east to the south and to the west, the skyline is beautiful. Not as vast as a New York City, but it is impressive. And all within walking distance.
Sitting on my hill facing east, I can hear music coming from 3 different clubs. Each night a different band at each club, except for the one which seems to cater to a black audience and it always seems to be some sort of Techno-Rap. The other two clubs, down the hill in front of me seem to have a variety of genre, from punk to sixties acid rock and some blues, a little bit of country. And these are not the clubs that Austin is known for. 6th St., located about two blocks from my hill is strung out with clubs and bars and saloons, a virtual circus of entertainment. Here you will also find individual entrepreneurs, busking or providing Tarot Card readings or virtually any other obscure service you can imagine. Not having a guitar yet, I do not spend much time here. No money and no reason. I am actually quite conservative. But once I have a guitar, and take two weeks to a month to build up callouses on my fingers and review my repertoire, I will find me a spot down here and ply my trade. I have no doubt what I can do. I know my skills, as a guitarist and a speaker. I admit though, I do prefer working with a group, but that will happen in time.
Spreading out through the downtown area, along Congress and in the richer areas there continues to be a large number of music venues catering to the richer clientele. But these are well out of my class, at least for the immediate foreseeable future. But, stranger things have happened.
Don’t Argue - August 30, Thursday
Don’t Argue - August 30, Thursday
If I have learned anything in my 61 years I have learned you do not argue with a cop standing over you, examining your I.D., while he proceeds to lecture you on the nature of life and relations of men and women. Limited, bigoted, ignorant minds can only handle but so much seemingly contradictory information without being thrown into a "tizzy", or blowing a gasket. A pissed off cop is not pleasant company over morning coffee. But keep your mouth shut and you may get by with just a warning.
I received a lecture from a cop this morning. He caught me sleeping, checked my I.D. then assumed he had all the answers to my problems about life, divorce, and women. I kept my mouth shut.
It amazes me how a little knowledge can mask such vast ignorance. But I stayed out of trouble.
If I have learned anything in my 61 years I have learned you do not argue with a cop standing over you, examining your I.D., while he proceeds to lecture you on the nature of life and relations of men and women. Limited, bigoted, ignorant minds can only handle but so much seemingly contradictory information without being thrown into a "tizzy", or blowing a gasket. A pissed off cop is not pleasant company over morning coffee. But keep your mouth shut and you may get by with just a warning.
I received a lecture from a cop this morning. He caught me sleeping, checked my I.D. then assumed he had all the answers to my problems about life, divorce, and women. I kept my mouth shut.
It amazes me how a little knowledge can mask such vast ignorance. But I stayed out of trouble.
Friday, April 5, 2013
August 27, Monday - The Womens Plight
August 27, Monday
I am astounded by the blatant aggressive behavior of the homosexual community. Open petting such that few straights would feel comfortable engaging in. Then again, this is about as low on the social scale that can be fathomed. Women, particularly white women, are being held as prizes by black men wanting some of that white pussy and potentially contributing to the homogenization of the races. And the women, being used by whites and blacks, passed from one "protector" to another, hoping to make it through the night, maybe a week, and at only the cost of a good fucking and the risk of a pregnancy.
Some may think that this only reveals my own prejudices about the races, maybe there is some truth to this. But I have sat with black men, no doubt the most ignorant sort, and listened too and been lectured too while they spewed their own racial bigotry. This is not to say all are alike, and not to assume that a racially mixed couple is bad, but an underlying ignorance prevails, and this ignorance is not limited to black and white. It is the ignorance of separation, us against them and the desire of one to dominate the other.
.
I am astounded by the blatant aggressive behavior of the homosexual community. Open petting such that few straights would feel comfortable engaging in. Then again, this is about as low on the social scale that can be fathomed. Women, particularly white women, are being held as prizes by black men wanting some of that white pussy and potentially contributing to the homogenization of the races. And the women, being used by whites and blacks, passed from one "protector" to another, hoping to make it through the night, maybe a week, and at only the cost of a good fucking and the risk of a pregnancy.
Some may think that this only reveals my own prejudices about the races, maybe there is some truth to this. But I have sat with black men, no doubt the most ignorant sort, and listened too and been lectured too while they spewed their own racial bigotry. This is not to say all are alike, and not to assume that a racially mixed couple is bad, but an underlying ignorance prevails, and this ignorance is not limited to black and white. It is the ignorance of separation, us against them and the desire of one to dominate the other.
.
Getting Started 8-15-2012
Hey everyone. Time is real short.
Yesterday I was part of a lottery at the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH), I was one of the lucky ones and have access to my own locker which allows me to store the majority of my stuff. That is a load off my shoulders. This morning I attended a Town Hall meeting at the ARCH which included members of the ARCH administration, Staff and the homelees registered at the ARCH to discuss issues of concern about the ARCH operation and other issues the city of Austin needs to address concerning the homeless. I must say, although the system is not perfect, at least efforts are made to deal with the needs of the homeless, and the homeless themselves can have a voice in things that concern them. It was not this way at all back in Indiana at the Lighthouse mission.
I have only been down to 6th street once, the day I arrived, but that is no matter. It is loaded with live music, the whole town is. The Arch is only one block away from the center of it all. I'm sure after I have a grip on how to survive; I'll get down to 6th street a lot.
I only wish Mary was here. If you’re going to be homeless, there are a lot worse places to be.
Bob
.
Yesterday I was part of a lottery at the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (ARCH), I was one of the lucky ones and have access to my own locker which allows me to store the majority of my stuff. That is a load off my shoulders. This morning I attended a Town Hall meeting at the ARCH which included members of the ARCH administration, Staff and the homelees registered at the ARCH to discuss issues of concern about the ARCH operation and other issues the city of Austin needs to address concerning the homeless. I must say, although the system is not perfect, at least efforts are made to deal with the needs of the homeless, and the homeless themselves can have a voice in things that concern them. It was not this way at all back in Indiana at the Lighthouse mission.
I have only been down to 6th street once, the day I arrived, but that is no matter. It is loaded with live music, the whole town is. The Arch is only one block away from the center of it all. I'm sure after I have a grip on how to survive; I'll get down to 6th street a lot.
I only wish Mary was here. If you’re going to be homeless, there are a lot worse places to be.
Bob
.
I am now in Austin Texas 8-13-2012
I am now in Austin Texas. Yes, I am living the life of a homeless vagabond, but it really isn't that bad. I am here because this is where the music is at and apparently along the way learning a lot about a side of our culture that most would rather ignore or pretend didn't exist. But, such as it is, I am here, and this is the life I live.
I had to sell my last guitar back in Terre Haute in order to survive the last few weeks and have a little cash to get out of town. I'm not too worried about this though, you see; I have been watching things in my life fall together, as quickly as some may see them falling apart. Life on the streets isn't a whole lot different than going camping and playing "hide and seek" all at the same time. There are city ordinances that have to be kept in mind, but in general the police are a nice enough sort. One even advised me about busking on the streets and how to do it and not be given a citation for solicitation. But there are the sorts of con men and jerks and idiots as well as out-right criminal sorts to be avoided. And I would not recommend this sort of thing to everyone. But if your heart is right and your head clear and focused, I believe this is the way to understanding ... life ... humanity ... and even God ... I know my use of the word "God" offends some of my friends, but I have found it is just another way of understanding or at least providing a non-descriptive reference to the workings of our universe - You know ... the things we are still trying to figure out. And so substitute whatever "noun" or pronoun you figure is appropriate.
Most of my basic human needs are being provided for through the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (Showers, washing clothes, water, and a cool (literally) place to get out of the heat). Beds are by lottery, I have not taken advantage of this (yet). It is very pleasant at night and I have become accustomed to sleeping on sidewalks and grassy places, as well as on large stones in under bridges if required. As long as I remain inconspicuous there seems to be no problem. But, come 6:30 in the morning I had better be moving. I am hoping to get a locker tomorrow, they are also provided by lottery. The only real concern I have is keeping my things secure. A lock would do nicely. I have not concerned myself with getting another guitar as I would need a place to store and secure it when I'm not using it, but that will take care of itself in time.
I am trying to stay in touch with Mary back in Terre Haute. This may become difficult as my cell is about out of minutes and no finances to add any. Work is bad all across the country. This I know from experience. People going from one place to the other - hoping to find something. But I'm not looking for a conventional straight job. Maybe a few hours here and there, I do not want to be tied to anything that would become too restrictive or mean compromising values I have come to enjoy as fundamental. I really believe that the writing I will do as I continue is justification enough for all the hardship and life's inconveniences that needs be endured. But I would like to get Mary here someday.
I can be written to at:
Bob Couchenour
P.O. Box 2509
Austin, Texas 78768
If anyone feels prompted to buy me a card to add minutes to my cell phone it would be greatly appreciated. I have a "TracFone" and service runs through Oct. 15, but the minutes are virtually depleted.
My time is about up - I only get one hour at a time on the computer at the Austin County Library. I will post updates as they occur. My email is still bobcouchenour@msn.com, this will not change. Hope to hear from any and all of you.
Bob
I had to sell my last guitar back in Terre Haute in order to survive the last few weeks and have a little cash to get out of town. I'm not too worried about this though, you see; I have been watching things in my life fall together, as quickly as some may see them falling apart. Life on the streets isn't a whole lot different than going camping and playing "hide and seek" all at the same time. There are city ordinances that have to be kept in mind, but in general the police are a nice enough sort. One even advised me about busking on the streets and how to do it and not be given a citation for solicitation. But there are the sorts of con men and jerks and idiots as well as out-right criminal sorts to be avoided. And I would not recommend this sort of thing to everyone. But if your heart is right and your head clear and focused, I believe this is the way to understanding ... life ... humanity ... and even God ... I know my use of the word "God" offends some of my friends, but I have found it is just another way of understanding or at least providing a non-descriptive reference to the workings of our universe - You know ... the things we are still trying to figure out. And so substitute whatever "noun" or pronoun you figure is appropriate.
Most of my basic human needs are being provided for through the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (Showers, washing clothes, water, and a cool (literally) place to get out of the heat). Beds are by lottery, I have not taken advantage of this (yet). It is very pleasant at night and I have become accustomed to sleeping on sidewalks and grassy places, as well as on large stones in under bridges if required. As long as I remain inconspicuous there seems to be no problem. But, come 6:30 in the morning I had better be moving. I am hoping to get a locker tomorrow, they are also provided by lottery. The only real concern I have is keeping my things secure. A lock would do nicely. I have not concerned myself with getting another guitar as I would need a place to store and secure it when I'm not using it, but that will take care of itself in time.
I am trying to stay in touch with Mary back in Terre Haute. This may become difficult as my cell is about out of minutes and no finances to add any. Work is bad all across the country. This I know from experience. People going from one place to the other - hoping to find something. But I'm not looking for a conventional straight job. Maybe a few hours here and there, I do not want to be tied to anything that would become too restrictive or mean compromising values I have come to enjoy as fundamental. I really believe that the writing I will do as I continue is justification enough for all the hardship and life's inconveniences that needs be endured. But I would like to get Mary here someday.
I can be written to at:
Bob Couchenour
P.O. Box 2509
Austin, Texas 78768
If anyone feels prompted to buy me a card to add minutes to my cell phone it would be greatly appreciated. I have a "TracFone" and service runs through Oct. 15, but the minutes are virtually depleted.
My time is about up - I only get one hour at a time on the computer at the Austin County Library. I will post updates as they occur. My email is still bobcouchenour@msn.com, this will not change. Hope to hear from any and all of you.
Bob
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.
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.
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