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ColdFusion site created & hosted as a free public service by SupportNet
Michael Kern
In the beginning, I didn't know Kevin and Michael were partners. I did not know Michael had AIDS. When he died, and I attended his funeral I found out about their relationship, and that Michael had died of AIDS.
When I asked Kevin why he never told me - so that I might have helped care for Michael, his response shattered me. "We thought you would throw us out." Kevin and Michael were tenants. It was difficult for me to comprehend why anyone would think this. And then I was introduced into the real life challenges of gays and lesbians.
I had thought of Kevin and Michael as "family". They were two delightful, caring human beings. To think of them in anyother way was impossible.
Michael was the kind of young man any mother would cherish. He was incredibly gentle and kind. His soft spoken demeanor was just a hint of the gentle person he was. The mixture of gay and straight people who attended his funeral spoke eloquently of the esteem in which he was held.
Michael loved flowers and gardening. He loved order. He was especially interested in Art Deco, and the bungalow he shared with Kevin was decorated with as many Art Deco pieces as they could find.
Michael might have been a famous interior decorator. He chose banking instead.
Even today I can see him puttering around the property, cleaning up, fixing up, creating a peaceful and beautiful environment for everyone in the neighborhood.
I wish I had known him better, and told him how much we loved him.....
ColdFusion site created & hosted as a free public service by SupportNet