Remembering Tim Harkey

June 8, 2011

Hello Everyone - just a note to ask you all to have prayers for the loss of our co-worker, Tim Harkey.  He was killed in a traffic accident near the farm June 8, 2011.  He was special needs farm worker who has been with the farm now for two years.  He was a faithful, loyal, good hearted person.  I could call him at any time of day, night and he would come to help the farm's needs.  He has worked in icy cold days and the 100 plus degree of the summer.  He has worked for 15 days straight without a day off.  He has been the most loyal and longest lasting staff Avalon has ever had.  We will miss his physical presence here. 

It was an interesting afternoon today, as the horses seemed sad; and I was wondering what they were picking up. At 6pm I received a visitor, Tim's best friend, to tell me the news.  The accident happened at 10:30 this morning after he had done his 6am duty here - we had been getting out early to beat the heat. 

We had a small ceremony today with those who were here.  One of our clients took his Bible out of the car and went to the graves of all the animals and walked around and around and talked as he walked. He and Tim had become close because both of them have speech impediments.  it was joyful to watch the two of them together !

Tim has little family.  He was a loner.  I believe the farm was the only happiness he has ever had.  He was his father's caregiver, who has Alzheimer’s.   His brother and he have been at odds their whole life.  his mother is deceased.  His best friend is Gary who lives on the farm property Tim's family owns in Iredell County. 

Tim also has many farm animals; who I am sure will miss him deeply.  It is thru the love and care of the animals and special needs children we serve which Tim has witnessed here at Avalon, that made him begin to nurture his farm animals and care for his farm lands.  Before coming here, his farm and animals were a wreck.  Tim learned kindness and gentleness here at the farm and began to do this at his farm. 

I am honored to have had Tim recently join me at my church near the farm.  From his first day going with me a few months ago, he has not missed a Sunday and he spoke with me every week about the "messages" and things he was learning.  I wonder why spirit told me to take him there. 

I am honored to have known Tim -  I and the animals and children will miss him terribly.   Tim now rest in the place with God and the angels.  I still feel Tim's presence here at the farm from time to time.  I am sure his spirit flows around here.  One day recently, I have about 5 50lb bags of feed that needed lifting to get into the feed bins.  I had no idea how I would do this.   Tim's best friend showed up and helped me, just as i was wondering.  I am sure Tim sent this message.  One of Tim's friend's here at the farm has now joined in to help do some of the daily farm chores Tim used to do.  He, I believe, is also guided to help by God and our new farm angel, Tim. 

Always look for the blessings and miracles - for these are your angels guiding you along your way - and they are always these.  We just have to stop and listen enough to hear them. 

Thank you for listening and for your prayers.

Kimberly