by Eve Schott
As L’Arche, friends, and family gathered to celebrate all that we are thankful for, Eve Schott shared this wonderful reflection on a very special person who has shared his journey with L’Arche for 25 years:
I have the honor of recognizing a very special person who brings great joy and life to our community. This person is probably best known for his laughter. It’s the kind of laughter that starts deep within and builds until it takes over his whole body. His happiness and excitement never fail to push away sadness and grumpiness and worry and call us to participate in the simple gift of his joy. And while laughter might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of him, the second is probably the kindness and depth you will see in his eyes and way he holds your gaze, inviting you to be quiet and free, completely at peace and accepted unconditionally.
Twenty-five years ago, at the age of twelve, Bobby Buchanan became the first core member to move into Ananda, fulfilling the dream of opening a children’s home at L’Arche Tahoma Hope. I was fortunate to be among the first assistants to live with Bobby at Ananda, where I would begin to understand that the most unassuming among us often possess the greatest wisdom. In our daily life together, Bobby taught me about trust, presence, stillness, and joy. Bobby has been sharing his unconditional love with his housemates, Les, Stacie, and Cindy, with assistants, and with L’Arche Tahoma Hope ever since.
Thank you, Bobby, for the joy you bring to Ananda and Day Program each day, for the laugher and gratitude you bring to our community, and for the many ways in which you call us to pay attention to what is truly important.
I also want to express our deep gratitude to Bobby’s family, Colleen, Bob, and his brothers, Chad and Kyle, for sharing Bobby with our community, for the great trust they placed in L’Arche all those years ago, and for their faithfulness ever since.
We love you Bobby!
