Vaya con Dios, Carlos - 1. Chapter 1: Vaya con Dios, Carlos

It’s always difficult to say a final goodbye to someone, whether it’s a close relative, your best friend, or even someone you’ve never met in person. In this instance, I’m not only saying goodbye to someone I’ve never met before, except of course in cyberspace, but I’m saying goodbye to a fellow author, a compassionate and caring friend, and an amazing storyteller.

Even though I only got to know Carlos Hazday through conversations I had with him online, over time I learned a great deal about him. First of all, Carlos was approximately ten years younger than me, and even though he’d been born in Cuba, he was a dyed in the wool American. Carlos grew up and lived in South Florida for most of his life, primarily the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area, and one of his passions was being able to hop on his Harley Davidson Motorcycle and go for a ride as often as possible. He also loved American football and was an avid fan of the University of Miami football team, and I understand he could be the life of the party at those games. I only wish that I might have had the chance to be there, so I could discover if that was true.

But more importantly than any of those other things, Carlos was always willing to chat, offer a kind word, and share his life’s experiences with you. Carlos was never shy about stating his views either, political or otherwise, especially if he disagreed with what you were saying, but he always did it in a forceful, yet respectful way. He was also an avid supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as any other social justice cause that he believed in, and one thing I learned about Carlos early on was that he wasn’t shy about speaking his mind. At the same time, he was always ready with a kind word and a helping hand whenever anyone needed it, and he loved telling jokes and getting people to smile.

Carlos, you will be sorely missed here at gay authors, primarily because of your willingness to help others, your kind words, and your wonderful storytelling ability. The many volumes of your wonderful CJ stories and other fantastic tales will be read and reread by members of this community for many years to come. You will be greatly missed by all of us that got to know you while you were here, as well as by those who never got the chance, but have been enriched and entertained through your amazing ability to write.

Vaya con Dios, my friend, and may you always have the sun and a gentle breeze at your back. May you also have a cold six pack of beer in your saddlebags as you explore the new horizons you’ve now entered on your Harley. I pray that someday I will get a chance to hang out with you, face-to-face, but this time in the great beyond where we will all reside one day.