At some point in my childhood, a neighbor of ours became a family friend. I don't recollect how that actually happened but at Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mother's Day and all other family events, there was an extra seat at the table for a man named Jim. As Jim got older (particularly in the last two years of his life) he distanced himself from our family and all our invitations for visits were not honored. Years ago, my mother had encouraged him to put our phone number in his wallet, "In case of emergency, please call this number."
One day, we received a call that Jim had died. Jim's landlord had found Jim in his apartment and didn't know who to contact until he found our number in his wallet. My brother Joe handled all of Jim's affairs - his closest kin were out of the country and calls were made. Jim was cremated. Jim didn't have much and only certain items were shipped internationally to his very distant family.
Other items were donated to charity and Jim's mismatched set of silver made it's way to me. This piece entitled, "As One Door Closes, Another One Opens" is an homage to Jim Behan. It consists of his silver, some doorknobs, and the crankset from same bicycle whose parts were included in "Wheel In the Sky". Since silverware and bike parts don't typically indicate a passing of life, I included some animal antlers to make the connection. Rest in peace Jim. You will always be remembered.
One day, we received a call that Jim had died. Jim's landlord had found Jim in his apartment and didn't know who to contact until he found our number in his wallet. My brother Joe handled all of Jim's affairs - his closest kin were out of the country and calls were made. Jim was cremated. Jim didn't have much and only certain items were shipped internationally to his very distant family.
Other items were donated to charity and Jim's mismatched set of silver made it's way to me. This piece entitled, "As One Door Closes, Another One Opens" is an homage to Jim Behan. It consists of his silver, some doorknobs, and the crankset from same bicycle whose parts were included in "Wheel In the Sky". Since silverware and bike parts don't typically indicate a passing of life, I included some animal antlers to make the connection. Rest in peace Jim. You will always be remembered.
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