POZ Community Forums
Main Forums => In Memoriam => Topic started by: AlanBama on February 02, 2008, 08:32:08 pm
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You left way too soon, honey. You were a character, that's for sure. I can't tell you how many times I've laughed at our antics together, growing up queer in Alabama. Ah, for the days you could made good prank phone calls....caller I.D. has eliminated that! All our piano recitals, our trips, and even my first time to a gay bar...we sure packed a lot into your 30 years on this planet didn't we?
Who would have ever guessed that a little hairdresser like you would have had it in you to FIGHT like you did! You fought a good fight honey, but AIDS was so much stronger, and we had nothing to battle it with except that awful AZT.
We even tried going to that quacko doctor who was heating peoples' blood and putting it back into them.....but you were just too far gone.
I can still see you, less than 100 lbs, KS lesions all over you, and carrying a protest sign at the CDC in Atlanta. I know you wouldn't believe that I am still here today.....when you were dying, I was still relatively healthy and only "HIV positive".....then came full-blown AIDS, disability, the protease drugs, and voila...I'm an old man of 51! If only you could have held on awhile longer. I'm sorry I never made your quilt panel like I promised you, but I haven't given up on the idea. I checked, and the Names Project is still accepting panels! I am thinking of maybe making a combined one for you and Kevin....Diz and Viv, memorialized together.
You would have been so proud of your Mother and Dad. I sure was. They stepped up to the plate and took care of you. The shame and embarrassment they had to go through was unbelievable.....that funeral home wouldn't embalm you, but would only put you in a body bag. When I went in their bathroom, I peed on their wallpaper.....at least I got a tiny bit of payback.
We'll all be together again one of these days. Save me a seat, ok?
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Here's your Quilt Panel honey......
I know, I know.....it only took me 18 years to get around to making it!
It has your favorite things on it: music, musical instruments, and dogs. I couldn't find any fabric with little hairdresser scissors on it. Actually, my friend Sue did the sewing. If I had my own machine, it would have been MUCH more flawless...a few rhinestones, at least. She thought a "quilt" had to be quilted and pieced and made like a quilt....obviously, she has never seen the AIDS Quilt. But I'm thankful to her for it, she did a great job.
I submitted it to the Names Project, along with a bio and photograph. Too bad your Mom didn't get to see it.
with love always,
Alan
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Another birthday passes, and you are not here so we can celebrate it.
I still love you and miss you tremendously honey.....
Love you, Aunt Diz...
:'(