Yesterday morning J walked the middle darkling to the bus stop, like she does every morning. But yesterday middle darkling says to her mom “I miss Aunt Tony, Mom. I want to visit him. When you talk to him will you tell him I miss him and Love him?”. J assured her that she would.
A little less than an hour later we received a phone call to let us know Aunt Tony had died unexpectedly of a heart attack the night before.
To say that we are sad is, I’m sure, a given.
Tony was a flamboyant and fun person. At family functions he always made sure to pull me and the eldest darkling out of the corner and make sure we felt welcomed. He always made us laugh. My only regret is that I didn’t have the opportunity to spend more time with him.
The title of “Aunt” was a bit of a tongue-in-cheek term of endearment because he was definitely “the bitch” in the relationship he shared with K’s uncle. They were together for 15 years, they had just celebrated their anniversary. But, because Florida does not recognize same-sex marriage, his body still lies in the hospital morgue while they try to get in touch with Tony’s “family”. Not even in Death will they release him to the man who loved him and stood by him for 15 years of his Life.
To say that we are angry is, I’m sure, also a given.
Today the SO’s, the darklings and I are together at home sharing together in the Love of our Family and remembering Aunt Tony with tears and with laughter.
Remember my friends, there is no promise of tomorrow. Love those close to you with that in mind. Live each day with gratitude and thanksgiving in your heart for the Love you are given. Remember that Love does not know any boundaries; not gender, race, religion, or nationality. Gay rights are HUMAN rights and thus affect us all.
Namaste.
