Anne - I was going through my journals this summer and came across a speech I had written about Jay's breakthrough work at the Library - the summer before we went to Washington. I always considered Jay a friend, brother and someone who gave me a chance at a better life. His journey definitely made a difference for me. Love to each of you, Rud, Ann, Amy and Kate --- I will see you at the services. Do not hesitate to ask if I can help in anyway.
Love, Nan
JAY TURNBULL Nan Hunt/ Nancy Hickam
My life intersected with Jay’s during the 1980’s. On a cold snowy New Year’s Eve I was invited to watch the children for the Turnbulls. This was my first experience with the Turnbull family. Amy was ten and Kate was 6-7 and Jay was in high school. They were great kids and Rud and Ann loaded us up with many fun things to do. Fun food, fun movies and games!!! That night people were stuck all over the roads and by the time Ann and Rud got home we decided it was best that I spend the night. Ann said, “You are part of the family now!” That began my several year journey with the Turnbull’s.
I often took care of the kids and the home when Rud and Ann went out of town. The kids and I bonded and Rud and Ann ask me to go to Washington D. C. with them.
The summer before we went to Washington – I was hired as Jay’s job coach. Jay and I worked in the KU library. Jay enjoyed the routine and learned new task. Everyday we went downstairs to our station and worked a number of hours. Everyday we passed by new faces and learned new names. At first people seemed very tentative about Jay working at the library. However, by the end of the summer, as we left our work station for the last time, a very strange thing happened. As we walked past each desk for the last time, each person stood in silence. I was stunned. Jay had made an impact.
One thing I can say about Jay is that he is a person who lived his life within the ‘margins.’ What is ‘margin’? Margin is the white space around the page that allows you to take in the written word. It is a rare thing for anyone in our culture to live within the ‘margin.’ Jay lived in such a way that the message of his life was very clear. He did not rush or hurry or let the culture tell him what he should or should not do. Jay was Jay and that was that. Either you accepted him as Jay or you didn’t. Either way was no difference to him. He had accepted himself and unconditionally loved those around him.
I can say with all my heart that Jay Turnbull opened up a new world for me. He was authentic, present, loyal and loving.
The wonderful thing about Jay – he did not define his life through ownership of things or worldly success. He simply touched lives. He did not possess them. He touched them, accepted and loved.
He who bind to himself a joy
Doth the winged life destroy;
But he who kisses the joy as it flies
Lives in eternity’s sunrise
Jay was that joy!
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