No news....................yet............

It's quite disappointing to me that those in NYC who were helping me locate my brother's remains, and who were supportive of me and my ideas for Hart Island, seem to have fallen by the wayside.  Perhaps they've no clue what to do, although with their own political connections I find it hard to believe, they're busy with other more important city-type stuff, or they're hoping I will just go away, I don't know.  One of those persons helping me, and with whom I have communicated a  great deal is City Council Minority Leader James Oddo (R-Mid-Island/Brooklyn) from Staten Island.  Jim was the person to whom I wrote when I initially was trying to locate John's remains.  He was an angel, truly, and very concerned and interested in helping.  And while I am reluctant to say anything negative, I am greatly disappointed in the lack of communication of late.  I had written to him approximately a month ago, merely asking for names of persons - city officials, etc.- to whom I could write concerning Hart Island - no response yet.  Maybe he really thinks I'm crazy, who knows, but I will continue writing to him until I get some type of response.  Then again, I'm not the most patient person in the world, especially when I have a vision in front of me.

Question:  why is the Department of Corrections allowed to get away with giving me and city officials inaccurate and false information regarding locating John's remains?  How many other families have they done this to?  Why are they going unpunished for causing more harm and pain?  Did they really investigate my particular situation as to how such inaccurate info could be given?  Did anyone take responsibility?  If I could get just one person with a modicum amount of power in NYC to help me............... I can only hope.  Alas, I'm just one little ant among trillions.

New Year, New Hopes..........

It's been quite some time since my last posting but my journey still continues.  I wrote what I thought was  a wonderful spiritual story about faith, John, and what happens when we believe but, alas, didn't receive any acknowledgement for it.  I've jumped back on my wagon and am, once again, doing my thing to get some recognition and respect for Hart Island and all its inhabitants.  Next up:  letter to Mayor Bloomberg.  Hell, he's got enough money, why can't he begin private funding for the Island's restoration and beautification?  Does everything have to involve red tape & bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo?  Can't someone just do the right thing? Or, at least, begin?

When least expected................

you get a surprise.  Contact from my NYC local government connection who indicates he will be requesting a hearing by the Fire and Criminal Justice Committee regarding the outrageous behavior of the DOC concerning the locating (not!) of John's remains, and related matters.  Fingers crossed everyone.  I've said it before and I'll say it again..................something good just may come of all this tragedy.

The end...................

It's been a while since I've posted but it appears the end has come in my quest to help Hart Island. Those I thought would help have not - or perhaps I'm impatient - and I'm sad to say that my hopes and dreams were merely just that - hopes and dreams. I suppose I was overreaching in believing that little ol' me could do something, make a difference, light some fires, whatever you want to call it, and definitely overestimated me. For now, and probably for good, the dream's died and my efforts along with it.

Life's little surprises...........

Well it's confirmed - John's remains will never be found; the DOC is not taking responsibility, haven't even received a formal, not to mention sincere, apology, if you can believe it. Next step: get our story out there.  I've said it before and I will say it again - something good will come of this and I will do what I can to bring attention to the Island and how it's operated.  Families have the right, as do friends and the public, in general, to visit the Island without having to go through an FBI security check (might as well be).  The Island is history and history must be preserved. Not to mention the all important reason that there are flying souls on that Island who need and want to come in for a landing and stay a while.  They need their rest.

The winds may be a changin'.............

Feeling a little more optimistic today; communications between me and my human angel have given me a little boost.  I'm not the most patient person in the world - no, really? - and when I have an idea, or a course I'm following, it has to happen now!  Things don't work that way in real life and I get discouraged real quick.  BUT, then I bounce back pretty quickly. I can't allow myself to feel defeated or beat cause it's just not in my nature to "lay down and die".  Have taken some positive steps and getting my word and message to a couple of influential folks in NYC on behalf of the Island, one of whom is very well known - he'll probably just think I'm a "nut", if he even gets my message, but I'm not -  just passionate, single minded with a mission.  Hey, gotta do what you gotta do and putting my thoughts out there in the universe may just yield some action.  What is it they say that if you think it and say it, it's out there waiting to be interecepted - or something like that. I continue to believe that John's plan was not just about him, but a much bigger picture.  As a friend told me, John's guiding me on the journey and it's up to me to figure out how to follow the guideposts he's placing in front of me - doing my best John and something good will come out of all that I'm doing.  Stay tuned!  Is anyone reading any of this?  Missing a lot if not :)

Traveling a different path ..............to reach a common goal...

To those who have asked, I am familiar with The Hart Island Project, Melinda Hunt and all that she has done and continues to do to assist families locate family members through records.  My interest is, however, more focused on the Island itself and what can and must be done to restore and preserve this historical place that is now the final home for thousands and thousands.............. and thousands.  I never knew anything about Hart Island but the more I learn, the more I'm appalled at the lack of care the Island receives, given its history, but more importantly because it is and always will be a cemetery and final resting place.  At the same time, I'm amazed at how much beauty there really exists on the Island - buildings that have been there for decades, even a Chapel - how apropos - to name a few. Something is just not right about the disrespect the Island is given, not to mention that access to all who might want to visit and pay respects, other than having to prove you have family buried there, is impossible.  What about journalists, photographers, writers, etc., who are not allowed access? What is the DOC hiding?  So, I'd like to know why this  New York history is being thrown away and ignored?  And many New Yorkers should be asking the same question.  The fact my brother will never return to his real home, and that he must remain on the Island for all eternity, is the impetus and inspiration for me to do what I can do to help bring dignity and respect to all who now call Hart Island their [final] "home". And while this has been an extremely personal journey for me, I am determined not to allow it to be for naught.  I started this journey for my brother, and whether he is found or not, I intend to continue the journey , not only for him but for all the other souls buried along with him.  I hope whoever visits this Blog will read all the postings and get a better idea of where I'm going and what I am trying to do.  In whatever form or manner, we are many with a common goal.  This is my mission.