It’s Memorial Day today, and while organizations fight to
save the cross, get together to place flags, and visit graves, I thought I
might highlight a veteran here today.
This is my friend Dale Craig. He’s one of the reasons I am here today. He offered encouragement during the years I
was mad as a hatter, and he gave me support.
In turn I listened to his relationship struggles. He was one of the good guys.
He was younger than I, yet he had a wiser and far more
mature outlook on life. Perhaps it was
his Army tours in Vietnam or his growing up during a time that was especially
difficult for gays that gave him this view.
He arrived back from Vietnam with wide and varied interests that only
broadened after getting a job as a booking clerk at our local jail. Oh, what stories he could tell.
Art, trains, old cars, and old houses were some of his main
interests. He bought houses, restored
them, and if his lover didn’t like this or that, restored another one. As he advanced in his job, he was also able
to make life a little better for artists who were out there on the margin.
He caught AIDS from his lover, and he caught encephalitis at
the jail. He couldn’t take the only cure,
so in 1991 he died leaving a legacy of loving and caring for others.
He sounds like, yes, one of the good guys. I've met one or two like that. God Bless them.
ReplyDeleteDale sounds like one of the heroes of this world. What a nice legacy he left for all of us.
ReplyDeleteWe a tough relationship that must be. Such a sterling character and such a difficult life.
ReplyDeleteHis life was worth a lot...he gave back so much. You were lucky to know him and I am sure he is proud of your blog today...
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to have a friend like that. And he was blessed to have a friend like you.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful friend and person.
ReplyDeleteI think you must collect wonderful people. And I understand why. I feel blessed to have you as a friend.
ReplyDelete