1990s--part 3

I was dealt a double blow in the Fall of 1981--I lost both Michael and Albyn.

Michael died of complications from AIDS on October 11, 1991 and Albyn died 4 days later of a heart attack.

Michael was the first friend I made when I returned to Florida in 1979. We were such opposites no one believed or understood how we could become friends--he knew the value of a dollar, I didn't--he believed there was good in everyone no matter what they did to him (and some were really evil to him)--I was unforgiving if someone 'wronged' me--he kept his emotions under control while I let them fly--he was, in many ways, in the closet (though he was concerned that his parents would find out he had AIDS he was more concerned that they would know he was gay) while I was all the way out--I could go on but you get the picture.

He was a Black Irishman from a well to do loving family in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan and I was the Jew from the Bronx. He was religious and devout (once had been a Brother in a monastery) while I didn't follow my religion.

What we had in common was a concern, and caring,for others and we both loved to eat. Trust me, he had organisms while eating food and had the noises to accompany them! LOL And we did a lot of eating out together.

Of the many things I admired about him was his devotion to his students as a high school teacher--he spent more weekends preparing for the coming school week.

He is still with me--I definitely heard him in my ear when I bought the birds yesterday!

I met Albyn and his partner, Joe, when I was 20--they became my parents, my mentors and believed in me at a time I didn't--when Joe died they had been together for over 50 years--I have written about him (and them) before and wonder many times what he would think of the escapades I have pulled since his death--though he loved me unconditionally he could lower the boom on me when I did something 'stupid'.

I know he, Michael, Joe and Flo are constantly looking over my shoulder and I need them to do that to keep me in line.

From the left: me, Michael and Albyn!