Cole Matthews

I guess my idea was a little more long term and more artistically based. I wasn't thinking about raising money for anyone. I think my model was the original intent of the AIDS quilt. When it was first conceived, it was to honor the victims of the disease. People worked on creating panels which spoke to their lives, not their deaths. When I mentioned it, I was thinking of the idea behind that and not the eventual NAMES Project. We don't need to consider it through Gayauthors if that's a problem. I had a little idea this afternoon. It may be ridiculous, but it's a seed that may sprout a weed as insubstantial as a dandelion, or a dahlia, proud, big as a dinner plate. Here's the essence. What if we wrote a series of poems about the lives of the victims. These could be the songs of their lives. To get this right, we'd need to do some ground work. We could contact the families and friends in a few months and tell them how we want to honor their loved one. This would be an act of love toward another human being like us who had a life and dreams and loved. We could compile these for the victims. We are gay or gay-friendly. We are artists. We are deeply affected and moved by the death and injury of these people. We could celebrate those lives cut so short. Again, it seems many others are doing things surrounding this horrific tragedy. That's fantastic and I applaud them. What always struck me with the AIDS quilt was the intent was to express their lives, make it personal, and it was only for the loved ones. While it did make a great impact as it grew into something bigger, the beginnings were quite intimate. So, this is something for incubating. It's not to grind out something in the next six months or even a year. Perhaps, it's not even necessary. But, I'll give you this last little personal tidbit. I have lost many, many friends and an ex to AIDS. It was too early and they had too much life yet to live. When I look at the pictures and the too brief descriptions of these victims, I think of them. I'm reliving their losses and what it means to me. The loves ones of the Orlando victims will live with their deaths for the rest of their lives. I guess I know what they're facing. Touching Mark and Dean and Stony's quilt panels gave me great solace, even years later. Please consider ruminating on it. This isn't something immediate. This is for the rest of their loved ones lives. Sorry. I can be a bit emotional at times. Sincerely, Cole

You did an awesome job with this. Youve set this up so masterfully! The situation is horrific, yet you told it so well. Great job!

I'm glad you saw the nuances of Terry's situation. Gillette was a gift. He was a touch of the divine in our lives. Gillette gave Terry a taste of what's good. Thank you so much for such a lovely review! It feels good to tell a tale well.

I feel like we should do something to honor the victims. I don't know what and we don't know them personally, but I feel like we should try and think of something special. When they started the AIDS quilt, it was in remembrance of their lives, not their deaths. I don't know. Maybe I'm so worried about them because I can identify so closely with the situation. I was a bartender at a gay bar. I feel like they're family because most were gay and some worked there. Anyway, someone more clever than me should think of something we could do. Peace to you all.

Thanks Kitt!

Mr. Benus, I bet you loved the Easter bunny and were really good at finding Easter eggs. I will say this, While exploring the grieving process I realized something about the stages. They are governed by perception. Wayne is the only person, other than the boss, we've seen thus far, not clouded. That cannot be said of either Corey or Lawson. And thus we have the second shift. Thank you for another insightful review.

Happy Birthday my darling! I'm lame in these situations, but you have been a force in my life. A force for good. Thank you for all your help. Have a wonderful day. You've earned it.

This is a great summation of the chapter. Thank you! These men are busy processing things. Some more better than others. I also love how you've succinctly analyzed what's going on.

William Foster is a character in a rage movie from the 1990s. He flipped out. However, I loved how he worked at what was happening to him. As for Cory and Lawson, they are both struggling. Lawson has problems. Corey does as well. We are over halfway through. I'm so thrilled you are getting it. Thanks Lisa!

I agree. Keeping things bottled can be dangerous. I think Lawson's reactions are fair if not healthy. Both men are grappling. I like your supposition/query though. If we don't process the reactions in an honest way, do we heal? I don't know. Thank you!

That's so true. Love is such a powerful thing even when we're feeling it, we don't know how much until it's gone. Maybe that's why we need a little sadness to appreciate the happiness, the dark to see the night. Thanks for a wonderful review and all your help Adi!!!

Chapter 10 - William Foster February 17th Sandy and Casey had stepped into the lobby of the apartment building. It was obvious they were deeply in love. They'd walked down the sidewalk from the convenience store holding hands the entire two blocks. Cory knew because he'd followed them. Like a private dick or a stalker, he'd shadowed them from Casey's apartment down the street to the store and back again. They'd bought ice cream, a magazine, and a pack of condoms. The entire time, Cory f

I'm so happy you enjoyed the story. Terry was a lucky guy, though he certainly had problems as well. One thing he never lacked was people loving him. I appreciate the lovely review.

Thanks Dolores! I'm happy you liked the story. Terry's story will continue with Ryan as the next episode. I appreciate the review.

Thanks Jay! Terry is like many of us. Meeting Gillette changed his life. I'm thrilled you're enjoying his story. I appreciate the kind review.

Thanks Skinny! I started writing the next segment today. I'm already five pages into Ryan. Terry's story will continue. I appreciate the lovely review!

When he told me the story about his 'first love' Terry said it was such a surprise. He said it changed his life because when his boss read love on his face, he was shocked. For the first time he realized what was inside is reflected on the outside. Thank you for the insightful and kind review.

Terry definitely shows the traits of many people. When I came upon my notes, I was struck by how much his stories impacted me in my life. In a way, his story is universal, yet unique in the way he lived it. I appreciate the kind words and support. Thanks!!!

Thanks Emi!!! I believe lots of us can identify with Terry. The reason I'm telling his story in segments is there is something he can teach us. At least, I hope I can tell it in such a way it works. Gillette is only the first man who affected him. The next one is Ryan. You heard it here first. Thanks for the lovely and heartfelt review.

Thanks! I'm glad you're on board.

Thanks Gary. I don't think this is the end to Terry's issues with amour propre. In fact, I think its what plagued him throughout his life. There will be more on this theme coming up. Yes, the French Canadian accent makes me weak in the knees too!!! Thanks for the awesome review.

Thanks Kitt for all your help! It is much appreciated.

Thanks Val!!! I've already starting thinking about the next segment in Terry's story. I was going to use Blindsighted as the theme. We'll see. I appreciate the thoughtful review and all your help. I needed it.

Hilarious!!! I was chuckling and snorting throughout the story. Wonderful take on the theme. I think Druella got what she deserved. The imp was a fantastic foil for her. Great job!!!

Lots of careful work in these pieces and it has quite an impact. The poems together told an interesting story. It's a nice take on the song. Thanks for sharing.