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Topic starter
07/07/2021 1:43 pm
Harv, this house in progress has a story, an unfinished story. In October of 1996, Jeannie and I stayed in a lovely villa on Kiawah Island off South Carolina. I was so taken by the property I took pictures and measurements with the plan to build the villa in 1:43. I started the project and got as far as the pictures show. The last time I worked on it was a Saturday afternoon in January of 1997. Our 21 year old son Jamie was sitting at the table watching me. That following Thursday night, Jamie was shot during a robbery where he worked. He died the next day. I put the project in a box as I didn’t have the heart even to look at it. Years later I looked at it and once again simply put it back in the box. At the suggestion of a dear friend, I opened the box about a month ago. It was as if Jamie was somehow saying to me, “Dad, it’s OK. You can finish the house.” A sense of peace and calm came over me. I may well now be able to finish it. Another mile stone, perhaps, in our journey.
Above: The villa
Below: The start
More pictures
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
07/07/2021 2:15 pm
Can’t begin or want to imagine your loss. I have two sons of my own. 🙏🏼
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
07/07/2021 2:36 pm
David - So sorry to hear of your loss, I can't even imagine. I hope working on this project brings back only the pleasant memories.
07/07/2021 3:45 pm
David- I feel for you. And yes, I think involvement in an older activity brings back and re-enforces good memories. With best wishes, David Holcombe
07/07/2021 3:47 pm
A devastating loss, David. I'm pretty sure that Jamie would approve of your finishing this house. We're just temporary observers in this weird world, but we should pursue those amicable tasks, hobbies that keep our minds occupied and out of trouble. It looks like it will be a beauty when it's done. Please share the result.
07/07/2021 4:02 pm
David,
Such a terrible thing. No one can really understand what it must be like to lose a child that way unless it happened to them. So sorry for your loss.
07/07/2021 5:11 pm
I am so sorry for your loss, David. I can't even imagine what that must have been like.
I hope you find some peace and joy in the completion of your project. When it's finished it could stand for something that brings only good memories.
John Merritt
South Lyon, Michigan - USA
Topic starter
07/07/2021 5:19 pm
Thanks, Mark. It’s been a journey for sure.
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
John Kuvakas and John Kuvakas reacted
Topic starter
07/07/2021 5:22 pm
This project will now bring back good memories, John, for which I am great full.
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
Topic starter
07/07/2021 5:23 pm
Thanks, David.
David Knight
Richmond, Virginia. USA
John Kuvakas and John Kuvakas reacted
07/07/2021 8:02 pm
I'm so sorry to learn of your loss David and my deepest condolences to you and your family. My prayers are with you with the hope that finishing this project will provide you with pleasant memories.
08/07/2021 12:34 am
I am so very sorry for your loss David. I am glad to see that you are willing and able to go with what your heart is telling you all these years later and I pray that it has a positive result for you.
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