THE LIES & LEGENDS OF HARRY CHAPIN

In 1984, Michael and I went to the Apollo Theater in Chicago, Illinois to the musical theatrical presentation of The Lies and Legends of Harry Chapin.

Harry Chapin was an American singer-songwriter, humanitarian, and producer best known for his folk rock and pop rock songs, who achieved worldwide success in the 1970s and became one of the most popular artists and highest paid performers.  He was killed at age 38 in a car accident.  

When we went to the play, I was struck by the beauty of his songs and the meaningfulness of his ballads. A warm feeling came over me as I listened to his music throughout the evening.  It was as if he had an inner communication with the world around him.  It was fresh and it was beautiful.   The experience was like eating from a buffet of unfamiliar foods.  Even though I was a teen ager during the time of his success, Harry Chapin was not a singer that I listened to, but watching this play highlight his life and music made something come alive inside of me that made the world seem like a better place and made colors appear more brilliant and beautiful.  I remember leaving the play that night and walking in the cool summer heat several blocks to our car feeling hope for the future and the highest intention to live my life aware of everything around me.  

I share this experience because this is how I feel living in a community with my daughter, her wife, and six other adults.  This is a concept totally foreign to me in my life and yet, I have been given this gift offering me this opportunity for the first 6-7 months of my grandchild's life.  

The community is made up of a diverse group of adults:  teacher, a youth/children's minister,  a nurse, an artist, a mathmatician, a couple, and a young woman seeking asylum.  Each person has gifts and talents they bring to the house,  caring spirits for each other,  Justice and acceptance for all, caring for the environment, and being the best they can be.  Along with the nine adults, there is a beautiful one year old and my soon-to-be grandchild. 

Living in community--it's kind of like hearing Harry Chapin for the first time.