With Pride I Go Forth

Thanks you, Terry. This was a time of tears, and a time of horror for so many. I chose to write Michael's story because of the hope it gives, and the hope he gave to those who waited with held breath. You are right that HIV/AIDS is still a major concern, and I have never given up hope for a vaccine. We must never forget those we lost, nor our bravery as a community, fighting against all the odds to put a spotlight on AIDS, when our leaders preferred to ignore it. There are so many to thank for the tide turning, and there is PRIDE in what was accomplished. Never Surrender.  

Thank you, Albert! This story speaks of a time in gay history that should never be forgotten. The kind of death that was prevalent was uglier than anyone not a part of it can imagine. Still, our community rallied and supported one another. You could walk down the street of any gay village and see the hollow faces, the fear behind the eyes, yet there was strength too. I love when others read Michael's story... it really does fill me with PRIDE for so many things. I understand the tears... every time I reread this it gets me, especially this line...  "His name was Charlie, and I stitched his name on a quilt." Thanks again for this wonderful review... I hope it stirs others to read this. Cheers!

Thanks, David! As a writer, I have this little platform which allows me to voice things that matter deeply to me. It is a blessing, hard as it was to write Michael's story. I never want to forget the people I knew, nor the people I didn't, ones who went through this living hell with no hope. I wish that hope had come sooner, but we have to be thankful it came at all, given the lassitude our community faced. Thanks again, for taking the time to read this, and to review so others might be encouraged to experience it. Cheers! G.

Thank you, Gary, for this beautiful review. I'm pleased this piece affected you so. Pride isn't just about a parade for me. Your Rabbi friend spoke words of great wisdom... it is to our detriment to forget. Our memories instruct us, inspire us, comfort us, pain us, and spur us to make life and lives better. 

Thank you for encouraging others to read this... it is something dear to my heart, and my attempt at reminding us of the strength we have to move mountains. Cheers! 

Thanks so much for leaving a review, Chris. Michael is one of many heroes from that time period, someone who cared for his brothers and sisters, and fought hard for justice. When I think of PRIDE, I think of him, and others like him, ones who weren't so fortunate to still be alive in 1996. Cheers!  

The best thing I could hear is that tears shed are worthy ones. I totally agree. This was a difficult part of our history, and this story takes place on the cusp of change. This is when hope turned into something real. Thank you for your kind words, and I hope they will encourage others to read this little story... and think about all that PRIDE means. Cheers!

Thank you, Ty. I see you related strongly to this little story, and while that is the goal for me as a writer, I am sorry for your loss. Jim deserves to be remembered, as do all the other victims of this horrible scourge. Thank you for sharing your thoughts of him in your review. It is what I was doing in telling Michael's story. Unfortunately, miracles were scarce during those years, so all we can do is not forget them. Happy pride, my friend.  

Thanks, Mags. I'm glad you found it so. We must never forget that time when reason was found to hope, nor the desolate times before it, and those who were sacrificed. Yes... Kleenex might be a good idea.   Cheers!

Thanks so much, Kris. I hope this will encourage other readers to give it a chance. Cheers! G.