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yesterday i found out that a friend of mines body finally gave up its battle with aids. but his spirit never failed. he is my first friend with aids to die. and all though we weren't as close at the end at one point in time he was an everyday piece of my puzzle. for two years we worked in the same building and hung out outside of work also. a large man with a large solid build. to look at him one may call him fat with his round protruding belly, but when he hugged you his belly did not give in. his personality as large as he was but filtered through the gentlest voice and the warmest humor. his heart being the largest of all of him.

this man helped me in so many ways in my newly out to the whole world self. while i was struggling with drug addiction and an abusive relationship. he was always ready to listen. and being considerably older than me he willingly gave advice knowing i was open to take it in whether i did anything with it or not he knew he was helping by giving. and he knew i appreciated it because i came to him. he was best there for me during a time when someone very [close] to me was raped. when i buried 3 friends my age all within a year.

so hearing of his death rushes back a huge flood of highly significant memories that have helped in the shaping of me and my world. memories that have gone somewhat over looked until now. (thanks to the selfish nature of human beings) i loved him, there was no way you couldn't if you were close to him. and i appreciated him in a way that i am sure plenty of people have since he was who he was. but i know that we had our very own relationship. it was the timing and the joining of each others personality. each others wit. each others differences in maturity and immaturity.

so other than the natural moments of grief for his loss i celebrate his life. the beauty and the whole hearted genuine kindness of his soul. and i thank him.
thank you reggie. you have returned from where you came from. love.

love ~ cody tyler