In Retrospect, my Aunt Elaine

My Aunt Elaine recently passed on to the other side.  While I was growing up, she was always a bright light at family get togethers, just happy and joking around, with an infectious laugh.  She was genuinely kind-hearted and inquisitive about everything in life.

Sadly, said revelations of mine only come to me in retrospect.  I wasn't the kid who shared his inner workings with people.  So, as many have told me over the years, I have been caught up in expressing things dear to me and my passions in this life, in hopes that I may spread understanding and compassion for people whom are LGBTQ.

Knowing this, it probably shoundn't have come to me as a surprise that she would give an outstretched hand and open mind about me, my passions, and my sexuality.  She opened up that dialogue for a better understanding about LGBTQ people through me.  Looking back, it shouldn't have surprised me that she'd do it.  Then again, hindsight is 20/20.

In short, I will genuinely miss her.  She helped me to tear down the wall I put up against my Dad's side of the family.  Others have leant kind words and compassion, but she was the first who showed me.  She proved to me through her actions that she cared.  She'll be missed by all who know her still.  Goodnight, and God bless.