I had a boyfriend in college named Steve. He was from Texas
and was a big ol’ Bubba. Our time together was short, as he was HIV positive.
However during this time; I became very close with him and his family. Steve
passed away on Christmas Day 1993. As I mention in my book, my first thoughts
each Christmas morning are of Stephen and our time together.
Each year I get a card from his mom, this year was no
exception. I was home alone recovering from my foot surgery when the mail came
the other day. I struggled to pick the mail up off the floor from my
wheelchair, and cart it to the dining room table in my lap. I began to open
cards and read them while I drank a cup of tea. The card from his mom had this
written on the inside:
Dear Family
About two week before
Stephen passed away some of my lady friends were in his room visiting. He said “Well
ladies, I will soon be driving my ‘heavenly bus in the sky’ and I will be there
to pick you up when your time comes around. Don’t be late, because the buses
don’t wait for no one!”
After the shooting in
Connecticut, I light a candle by Stephen’s picture knowing in my heart he was
there to pick up those children and their little spirits and take them to a
peaceful place.
What a beautiful
family you have.
All my love.
Rose Mary.
I was stunned by the simple beauty of this short note and
sat for a moment with tears running down my face as I remembered Steve and tried
to understand the tragedy in Connecticut. We recently attended the annual Christmas in the City Cabaret at the
Michigan Theatre here in Jackson. It’s our yearly break from the insanity of
the holidays and the craziness the kids bring with the season. The song that stuck
with me the most was their rendition of “Let there be peace on Earth” which was
dedicated to those that lost their lives that horrible day a few weeks ago. I
normally pass on this chestnut of a tune, but for some reason, this year it
seemed right to hear.
Light a candle for someone you love today and rekindle their
memory during this darkest time of year.
It is my hope that you and yours are well and that you might
enjoy the peace that we all need and desire.
Tom, Tod, Anna, and Eli.
