Back from Indiana until Tuesday. Then back to Indiana for 2 more weeks of taking care of my father. Mom was buried on Tuesday. Beautiful funeral service. I was able to get Pop thorugh the first couple of days and left him in the care of his brother and sister. He's doing fine, but as expected does have his down times. His doctor says that two more weeks of moderate care should see him through the worst of his recovery from his heart surgery and he'll be able to take care of himself. My brother is going in for a biopsy for throat cancer today. When it rains it pours. All my projects are on hold until I get back from the next trip. If anyone has any questions about my freestuff, ask 'em quick! It's good to be home, if only for a few days. Here my relatives aren't trying to save my poor gay soul and telling me I should leave my other half of almost 14 years and move back to Shelbyville. If I get intoduced to one more corn fed pretty girl who thinks she's the one to change my life I may have to buy an Uzi. I'm not too worried about the state of my soul. My mother said that there was a special heaven for people "like me". I figure it has all the best reastaurants, shows, clubs and music. You're all invited to come visit when I die. I'll get you a day pass. Home again! Sigh....

Attached Link: http://www.digitalevildesign.com

Hey pdxjims I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom and I hope your dad has an easy time with coming back from his illness. You are a special son taking care of all this for them, the Lord will surely shine on your lovely face and bless you. You honor your parents and I for one am proud of you. Now to address people like you, there is no such thing....people yes but that is it....hope you understand my way. I lost my dad whom I loved dearly and know that although it has to happen it is still a little empty without them physically there. We are here for you friend, if you need anything just yell, you know Mike and I will be there. I will say a prayer for you and your other half as you put it. Big Hug....Sharen

Glad to hear your father is on the mend. Here's hoping your brother's biopsy turns out negative. Please don't shoot the corn-fed pretty girls. Send 'em to Cleveland, I need all the help I can get.

Good luck, how fast is the next access in your part of heaven? :)

'net access, bugger! :)

Jackson, they're all yours, bud. Treat 'em nice though! The one good thing I got from Indiana was a healthy respect for women. They pack a mean punch. The gun was for my well meaning relatives. The poor girls were too nice to be really mad at. It's fair though, the relatives all have rifles hanging in their pick-ups, and there's usually a handgun under the front seat. Sams3D, it's good to back here with my real family, in Portland and online. This little trip taught again how lucky we all are here at the 'sity to know each other. Best d*mn group of people in the world.

Praxis, everyone has a dedicated T1 in our part. Don't know about the rest of heaven. If it's like Shelbytucky, you're lucky to get a steady 28K.

You've been blessed indeed with a wonderfully wry sense of humor...anyone that can make me laugh out loud and nearly spit coffee all over my keyboard at this hour of the AM is well-equiped for life anywhere ;) But isn't it wonderful to have communities (both virtual and Real World) to come back to, where we can be accepted for our own selves and flourish :) Blessings!

The very best to your Dad, sorry about your Mother. I lost my Dad last Oct, my mother and daughter in 1997-1998. **** All my children are different than each other. This is the way it's suppose to be. If there is a heaven, I truelly believe it's open for any good person. No rules on which sex you prefure(spell?)How much money you make, or religions. In the end it's all the same. I'm Jewish. But I always remember that all the books, scrolls, stones, were written by Man. (or //woman):O) We love you at Reno. Just as you are. In a lot of Native American beliefs the person who's gay is accept and is usually has some type of special place, accepted and loved. Mitakuye oyasin (All are related) We all are children of the earth. Lots of love and support. Leah.

pdxjims: It's good to get an update and please know that you and your family are in my thoughts. The next time your relatives introduce you to a "corn fed pretty girl" just ask if she's willing to be a surrogate mother because you and your partner want a baby. You might want to be twirling a turkey baster in one hand as you ask. On the other hand, if Indiana girls do 'pack a mean punch', you may wish to reconsider :) Regards, -Nancy.

pdxjims, I must thank you in addition to offering you my condoleances. For I now cant get this wildly absurd image of some The Midwest meets the "Cages aux Folles" variety of a Hatfield/McCoy family shootout with bullets and scarves flying, and overvoiced by the song, "It's raining men" out of my head. Oh, the sweet absurdity of it all! my thoughts are with you, --lb

pdxjims... I'm sorry to hear about your mom's death, and your dad's and brother's illnesses. That really is too much to have to deal with all at once. (Actually, any of them would be too much.) Hang in there, bro. lynn

pdxjims, I am so sorry to hear of your family's current struggles with health and your Father's death. I know this must all weigh heavily on you. On the lighter side, do you think I can get weekend passes to your section of Heaven? Not only does the nightlife sound great, but I'm sure I would see many dear friends there! Deb

pdxjims: Add my sympathies for you and your family during such a difficult time. I hope that the support of those around you, such as this community, can provide some comfort. Best of hope for the recovery of your dad's and brother's good health, and for the growth of acceptance amont those most in need of it. (And many of whom should be so lucky as to have a life partner of 14 years - you are blessed!) The 'net is a wonderful place, though, in that sometimes we learn there are people out there we've never met, yet who nonetheless love us for ourselves. Thus from me to you. April Follies

To a fellow Portlander, my sincerest thoughts for you and your dad and brother. I lost both of my parents years ago, so I know what you're going through. It takes a while to get past. My prayers to you and for a speedy recovery for your dad, and also for your brother. Melanie

My prayers go to your brother and your dad wishing him a speedy recovery. And the next time you are introduced to a prety corn fed girl make sure you have a handsome corn fed guy to hand over to her. LOL. And your "special place" really sounds awesome.

hugs
No matter what words of comfort a stranger on a messageboard might have to say I know it does little to ease the pain of loosing a loved one...especially someone as close as one's own mum.
Nonetheless, my partner and I send out reguards, hopes and prayers go out to you and yours...
And also wish your Da a speedy recovery with as little discomfort as possible!

Blessings,
-Des

Jim, Thank you for the update. I'm glad that you could return to the warmth of your friends for even a couple of days (like a swimmer getting a much-needed gasp of air). Your family is more fortunate than they realize. When troubles strike, you support each other. {hugs} and may things get better soon! Carolly