Condolences for
Steven Edward Gregory

Cut off in the prime of manhood, he was cheated of that final phase of development which permits a man to harmonize his warring selves. Operating under a curse for the major part of his life, fighting with all his powers to find egress into the clear, open spaces of his being, he is beaten to earth for the last time just when one feels that the clouds were lifting.
—Henry Miller, The Time of the Assassins: A Study of Rimbaud.

Dearest Chris and Family,

Oddly, you, and memories of your mother and father, have been on my mind as of late. I found this several days ago, and looked for a number to call you. It's been 28 years or so since we'd seen each other; when we all lived at Chimney Corners. This sad and tragic news was terrible to find, and I feel for you and your family. You and your parents meant so much to me and 'little Paul'. I'll never forget the many times that you helped me, Chris. You are a shining example of true Christian love and faith, in action. May that faith and God's peace sustain you now.

Steven looks so much like you! I didn't want to believe this. It hurts to find that you've had to go through this.

But, true to your lineage, he was so smart; full of promise, kindness, and more, by what I'm seeing! And, having known you, I'm not surprised that he was such an incredible young man!

I cannot imagine the pain that you, Jay, (whom I also remember), and Lauren suffer. But, you also have wonderful memories, and a lot of love, from Steven's 22 years on 'this side' of God's Kingdom. Lauren must be a like-blessing to you all!

Honey, I wish that we'd stayed in touch and that I might have been there for you. But, I am holding you in prayer, and wanted you to know that I care. I don't know if I have the right address for you, and I use my maiden name now. I'm at kabespir yahoo if you want to reply.

God works in mysterious ways, and I truly believe that it was God who'd make me look for you a few days ago; just a few days from the one year mark of dear Steven's passing into His Kingdom.

May God give you the peace that passes all understanding, and keep your heart, mind, and spirit.

I've never forgotten you, and I'm sorry that it had to be this way that I found you again.

Much love and peace,

Kathie (& Paul) from "Chimney Corners"

I was shocked and greatly saddened to hear of Steven's death. Though we only spoke to each other a few times, he always made an effort to give a warm hello, something I appreciated so much (especially at Bard, where day-to-day interactions can often, unexplainably, be cold). I loved seeing him outside the library, looking so intense and passionate while still emanating kindness. I regret that I didn't get more of a chance to know this handsome, intelligent young man. With a heavy heart, I give my deepest condolences.

I feel grateful to have known Steven and watch him grow into a handsome gentleman - striking on the outside and warm and kind on the inside. I loved hearing stories about him and his interest in God's creative world and how he wondered with excitement at the beauty and intricacies of all things living. I smile to think of him and count it a privilege to have known him.

A hug with him at the recent holiday dinner is a gift from God our Father and I cherish the memory and the grand smile from Steven. He was interested and attentive to my Owen at the table, as Owen used sign language to communicate and ask for things that Steven got for him. It reminds me that each small action of ours is no small thing. Today both of those incidents are treasures to me.

My heart is broken anew each day when I think of how we will all miss Steven with you. May God's peace and mercy be your constant companions as you navigate the coming days and months. All three of you are dearly loved.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gregory and Lauren,

I was shocked and saddened to learn of your son's passing. You have my deepest condolences. Steve was in a few of my classes at Bard, and it was evident that he was a deep thinker and a passionate student. A fellow philosophy major, he and I spoke now and then; I would often run into him near the library, where he would amicably greet me. He will be missed.

Wishing you well, I am.

Sincerely,
Kevin Powell