I Ain't Never Had A Friend Like Him!

It’s funny how life turns out. The twists and turns in our personal stories. Take for instance how my best gay friend Oliver earned that title. I have to differentiate and say best "gay" friend so The Diva doesn’t get jealous.

Many years ago I used hang out at this bar in Lynn MA, Fran’s place, all the time That’s where I first laid eyes on Oliver. I had the biggest crush. He was always stand at the bar with a bunch guys around him just being the center of their attention. But, I never had the balls to go over and talk to him. I know I sound like Michael Bien stalking Lauren Bacall in The Fan.

Then one night we had a chance meeting at the Mcdonald’s up the street from Fran’s. He was hanging with Chris, who I used to work with at Sears & an another mutual acquaintance, Gumby (not sure how he got the nickname, maybe cuz he was pudgy). Well, I was talking to them for a bit and then Oliver invited me to join them to go bar hopping around Lynn. Ever since we became the best of friends. Oliver has evolved from being that distant crush. In fact, I can’t even call him my best friend anymore. He’s my family. Oliver has become such a major part of my life. He is able to see me through the good and especially the bad. If it wasn’t for him and that sardonic wit of his, I honestly can say I never would’ve been able to make it through these last few of years.

I know he’s gong to call me an asshole for spilling my guts out like this. He hates it when I talk like this. He tends to get all veclement. And I do have to admit it is a little sadistic of me, that sometimes I enjoy getting him all veclement. Sometimes seeing getting all sensitive over minor things can cheer me up.

Like the time he and his boyfriend Michael dragged me to see the movie version of Rent. While I saw the original Broadway show when it first came out, I was hesitant to see the movie due my recent HIV diagnosis and movies about sick people made me upset. But while we were in the theater watching Jesse L. Martin singing at his lover funeral, I turned away. Next to me was Oliver & Michael in a deep embrace with tears flowing down their cheeks. I just could not contain myself and burst out laughing. Thank God we were they only ones in the theater so no one except for the big cry babies could declare me insensitive.

Hey Oliver, did you ever know that you’re my hero!

You are the wind beneath my wings, Sissy.