Keli – How long have each of you been a part of L’Arche Chicago?
Tim – I first came briefly but it wasn’t until 2010 that I moved in. So about 15 years now.
Gary – I’ve been volunteering for 4 ½ years now. I started in September of 2019, right after I had retired.
Keli – When you first came to L‘Arche what was your first impression? Do you remember being worried about joining a community like L’Arche?
Tim – I liked it – L’Arche felt unique or different from other group homes. It was family-oriented and core members can be friends with the staff. I was a little worried because I was moving out of my dad’s house. I wanted to be independent and I got used to L’Arche but was a little nervous, like anyone would be. L’Arche does a lot of things like a family would do so it felt familiar in that way.
Gary – I only knew about L’Arche because of reading Henri Nouwen. So I remember thinking it was a lot different than that. I also remember feeling at home right away because people were so welcoming. It kind of felt like a “pinch me” moment. I had never done anything like this, working with people with disabilities, so I was hesitant but really drawn in by Henri Nouwen’s writing and seeing God in every person. Prior to L’Arche I taught at school but this was very different because at school you couldn’t really have relationships with the students as friends.
Keli – Are there things you enjoy doing together or appreciate about the other?
Tim- We usually hang out when I get home for work. We’ll go out and get coffee together.
Gary – I remember, Tim when you took your fall and hurt your wrists, during that period of time we took a lot of walks together.
Tim – Gary is a very considerate person. He is calm and gentle which I like. He’s a fun person to be around. When he supported me after the fall, it really showed me that he cared for me which made me really happy.
Gary – Tim isn’t just a L’Arche friend. Tim is a friend. We kid each other, poking fun and joking. To have a friendship like that is something special. I have a lot of friends that I can’t kid with like that. One thing that bothers me is that Tim is gone during the day mostly, so I only get to hang out with him after work. It’s so good though to get out of the house and go to work. As a retired person the worst thing is to become isolated, so in that regard we really help each other out.
Gary – I remember one time Tim had to go to the ER and I followed. They were leading him to his room, where I was waiting and I heard them ask if they could get him anything. Tim said, “I just want to see my caretaker.” That was a really sweet moment for me (to hear Tim ask for me), and told me that as a volunteer I was being helpful. Tim has shared parts of his story with me and it’s made me feel so special that Tim has trusted me.
Keli – Any other special memories?
Tim – There was one time that Gary took me to a chicken restaurant on Route 66 – Delilah’s Chicken Basket. Gary- Get your kicks on Route 66! Tim – Yeah, it was featured on Guys’ Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.
Keli – In what ways has community surprised you?
Tim – The community really dropped everything when Elbert passed away. It meant a lot to me because it really showed me how L’Arche cared for each individual person. I was surprised by how strong the community was.
Gary – The thing that surprised me is how big of a part of my life it’s become. Even though I’m only here two days a week it’s become a huge part of my life. I’ll never forget Elbert’s funeral and being able to share. Elbert’s faith was so strong and it made it easier for us all to accept his passing.
Tim – I just love L’Arche.
Gary – Ditto!