Kevin

Today it was a bright and sunny Sunday Janurary day in Houston, Texas. Kevin came by and picked me up and we did our usual Sunday lunch at Cafe Artiste, but sitting outside got chilly and although my outfit was cute it lacked the cardigan sweater I had planned to wear. So instead of hanging out on the patio after eating we scampered back here so I could pick up my wrap. Last night I had made two images (see entry below) in ArtRage and I was feeling artsy and I felt like seeing some more art and we made our way over to the Contemporary Arts Museum. My favorite thing on exhibit was an upside down police car, so it wasn't really art, but it was fun to see it and how huge it seemed in that space. There was also lots of young male cuteness.

We crossed Montrose Boulevard to the Cullen Sculpture Garden. Kevin commented it was the perfect setting to make his announcement. Announcement? He said he has decided to move to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We sat in the sun on a bench and he told me how he made that decision. The details are personal and his telling of them was remarkable in that we could share the moment and the emotions. Without his realizing it, last night he had done a 9th step. Making amends is a powerful tool in the process of recovery. It has been a joy to share his discovery of himself and I cannot express how proud I am of him. He is following his heart.

The Starbucks on Montrose was a perfect place to continue our discussion which ranged from our past experiences together to more male cuteness. Talk of living in the moment came up and I could tell he was relishing every bit of where we were and what was happening. It is remarkable how living in sobriety can change your perspective. Music from a nearby brunch was punchy and bright (how gay does that sound?). Time to move on again.

We drove to Rice University, Kevin's alma mater, so he could say goodbye. What a beautiful campus, the live oak trees creating passageways and the architecture has stayed true to the original. He had his 'Here We Go' custom soundtrack playing--lots of Erasure and Tears for Fears--that he put together for his remaining time in Texas and to take him on to his new playground in the Midwest. I tried to imagine what thoughts were going through his head, reliving little vignettes of campus life, but those things are so personal all I could do was imagine. We drove to Rice Village, a now highly yuppified upscale shopping area where we worked together in the custom picture framing business years ago. On the way back to my house he commented that the route we took was the way we used to go home from work. I am now living again on the same street as back then and it really did seem like the old days, except that he was driving.

I am grateful he and I have been able to ressurect our friendship. We have a deep and quiet understanding of each other, so rich in texture and complimented with the silliness we have always shared. Dare I say Kevin has a perky butt? He will get the joke in that. So soon I will say bon voyage to a good friend and I will rest easily knowing that the best for him is ahead. I love you, Kevin.