JeffThigpen.com

I had the a really meaningful visit with Pat Gates a few days ago.  I met Pat shortly after her son Stephen was killed in a hit-and-run accident in 2003.   Stephen was UNC alumnus and a Tar Heel Sports Network reporter and the family lives in Greensboro.  “Stephen’s law” was created as a result of his death which requires passengers of a vehicle involved in an accident to remain at the scene until police can complete their investigation.  Pat and husband George, fought to get the law passed and it was applied on the first day.    As a result of the Gates’ determination, there will be accountibility and justice in those kinds of situations where there was once none.

Pat is such a wonderful lady and a great mom.   I was  pleased to hear from her and repect her a greal deal.   Her daughter is doing very well and will be attending law school in the Fall!  

I’m not surprised……

I gave a presentation  on public records laws in North Carolina and how they effect the Guilford County Register of Deeds office back in November 2007.

Here is a powerpoint entitled “Public Records Laws on Access to Land and Vital Records and Electronic Retrieval of Online Documents”

Sweetness in the air,
and justice on the wind,
laughter in the house
where the mourners had been.
…the standards of death
taken down by surprise.
Alleluia, the great storm is over,
lift up your wings and fly!

 Robin Royal passed away yesterday around 5:30 pm.  We pray her family is comforted and know she was our beloved friend.

Robin Royal is seen in the middle. Crunched between David Smith and Debbie Johnson to the left and Marcelle Fowler and Robin’s mother.   Robin has had a courageous battle with cancer over the past few years.  We pray that she is comfortable,  getting rest,  and feels the prayers we lift for her well being.  The staff at the Register of Deeds office, her friends and former co-workers in the mail room have her close to their hearts tonight and hope you do as well.

Triad Orioles win at War Memorial Stadium today and still in second place in the MSBL (Men’s Senior Baseball League).   Elle and Jenna had a great time.  Jenna’s Dad, Neill Jackson, pitched several scoreless innings.   Thigpen and Jackson are under one year contracts up at the end of the year.  Rumor has it that Thigpen is headed for retirement.

Saw my good friend Buck Cochran this morning.  Buck is executive director of Peacehaven Farm- a community for people with intellectual and physical disabilities.  Buck had long had an interest in people with disabilities and in the ministry of L’Arche communities.  L’Arche is a well-known community founded by Jean Vanier.  Later,  Henri Nouwen (Life of the Beloved; In the Name of Jesus; The Wounded Healer) joined when he left Harvard Divinity School.

I was talking to a friend when Buck stopped by.   The friend asked, “So, is this a rehabilitative model?”  I blurted out attempting to be the star pupil, “No, its the ‘do you love me’ model!  Buck smiled and said, “Exactly!”.   We got a good laugh out of it.   “Do you love me?” was a phrase from Nouwen’s In the Name of Jesus.  

Peacehaven Farm is inspired by the family members of the farm’s leaders: Tim and Susan Elliott, and Buck Cochran. All are parents of children with special needs. They have experienced the joys, the heartaches, the quest to “fix”, and the awe and wonderment of having someone they love with intellectual disabilities become all they were meant to be.

 The farm is locted in Whitsett, NC and I look forward to visiting with Elle and Aiden.  Who knows, maybe I’ll get to drive the tractor!

Shortly after I was hired as an Assistant Director of Admissions in 1998, I had someone tell me I’d was the next Charlie Hendricks.   I replied,”bu^^*%#!” (and meant it).   At that point, Charlie had been in “exile” from the Admission office for reasons unknown.   That was a policy that would quickly change when I headed up the NC Initiative, Randy Doss took over Admissions, and Charlie Harrelson, Alumni and Family Relations.

I remember picking Charlie up or meeting him at College Fairs and putting out an extra seat.  In addition, Charlie was dancing with a very attractive lady at club in Wilmington at the ripe age of 80 something.  I thought, “Man, hope I’m doing that at 80!”.

During several elections, Charlie would, in bi-partisan fashion have two signs in his yard.  Congressman Howard Coble and mine.  I appreciated his friendship.

Charlie Harrelson dropped by “Ask Charlie” today.  Written by my former roommate and male hunk, Robin McWilliams ‘93.  I hope folks will give it a read.