The O'Toole Foundation
But Oliver's deconstruction also had emotional and relational consequences that played out in subtle ways we might not have discerned at the time, but with further consideration reveal the re-construction of much more than just a home.
After The Thaw
In Truth Be Told and Impossible Dream, Oliver's emotional thaw found him doing everything from openly struggling with his shattered identity, to entering a passionate plea to a seemingly cold Senate Committee, and just about everything in between. Here are some of those moments:
It led Oliver to openly admit to his colleagues the revelation that he wasn't an O'Toole, both directly and indirectly reach out to Shane for support, express visible discontent over Shane's ex, and even make an impassioned plea to the Senate Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capability over the fate of a missing soldier.
In touch with his feelings, Oliver enabled himself to become a better and more empathetic friend. Without the drama of his issues consuming the majority of his heart, mind and energy, he was able to see more in the people around him, from investing in things close to Shane's heart to encouraging Norman about making a great father someday.
Beyond being more emotionally open, Oliver also made clear, for the first time, his intent to plan a future, and had a very specific vision for what it would look like and who would be in it.
Back To A Future
If Holly was an occupant of the deconstructed home that was Oliver's life, then it's obvious that, with her gone, Shane became the person with whom Oliver intends to build and occupy the new home he's currently constructing--- both literally and figuratively.
There are several indicators of this intent. First and foremost that Oliver even thought to purchase the undeveloped land in the first place. Second, he suggested Shane locate the blueprints for her childhood home, combining both the intent to make it her(their) home and that Oliver had pondered how it would be redeveloped. Oliver even imagines the home featuring a porch, swing, and even a future rose bush. In responding to Norman's inquiry about moving to the home, Oliver deems it "something to look forward to." |
In the loss that was Oliver's deconstruction, he found much more than he likely bargained for---his feelings, and a vibrant future for which he's already begun drafting blueprints. It certainly makes 2016 something to look forward to. I can't wait to see how it all shakes out!
Waiting To Build,
~C