Thursday, April 03, 2008

Morning Edition - 4/3/08



I Caught Up
Twenty years ago following a hot shower in a West Village YMCA in New York City I met a man and his friend in the men’s locker room. A street-smart 18-year old with a shit-load of spirit and a bangin’ ass, I slipped into my shorts and t-shirt and began applying lotion to my legs. The man, who was staring intently began a casual conversation that ended with an invitation out for a drink. As the three of us took the walk down to the watering holes that littered Christopher Street, we talked about what we did for a living and quickly found out that I was just an unfortunate youngster that happened to have quite a bit of luck at meeting wonderful people. That evening was the beginning of a 20-year friendship that saw me grow into the man I am today. Remarkably, I am now the age that man was when I met him. Today as this amazing friend celebrates a birthday, I am grateful to him for always being there; a strong, classy, mentor who never made me feel infantile or immature, simply his peer. Throughout the years, we’ve moved around – even living hundreds of miles from each other – yet we’ve always found the time to catch each other up on where we are in life. He always has a way of reminding me of key moments in my life as seen through his eyes. His view of me – both mentally and physically – have always served to build my self esteem and confidence. Today, for his birthday, I wanted to share a sliver of our history. Less than one year after meeting, he was at my house; I lived in a large private house with two roommates. The house had an attic that was never used and it led out to the roof of the house. From the roof of the house you could see the entire neighborhood and a beautiful park that was just across the street. One evening after a couple of drinks, he and I went out onto the roof and were watching the stars. I felt so warm and safe as he held me in his arms. As we got hot and sweaty under the stars I was filled with the exhilaration of making love under the stars – even if it was on the roof of my house. Yeah, memories never die and true friendship never does either. Thank you for your friendship, your love and the security of knowing that someone is there for you for life. Happy birthday Chris!

On Blast
Do you have a story of someone you dated at an early age that is still a friend today?

Keep passin’ the open windows…

13 comments:

j_shanlin said...

I thank Chris for his love and companionship because as a result of his example, you've become a loving mentor to myself and I'm sure a host of others. Love you Unc.

Unknown said...

Awww pa... thnx...strangely, we are exactly in the same position - well, minus the rooftop sex....I'm here for you...just stay clear of me after a few drinks or we can manage the exact same position.....
Be good BJ!

Anonymous said...

AAWWWWW HECTOR....I don't know what to say. Thank you for the early morning phone call. You were an amazing teenager....pretty and smart and totally aware of who you were....and after you carefully applied that lotion on your body in the gym I was hooked....never had seen such a beautiful ballet..effortless sensuality. Over the years I love the man you have become...your sense and sensibility, your talents and sharp wit (you still have a mouth on you) remind me why you bring me joy. Of course I will never forget that rooftop. That night will remain etched in my memory ....in technicolor....forever. Thanks for touching my life so profoundly.....thanks for membering my b/day with such a special tribute. I love you.

Christopher

Anonymous said...

damn cocoa you got me so flustered I cant even type correctly, can't even remember my username...but i hope you know that you are in my life for ever....thanks again for the b/day tribute

christopher

Joey Bahamas said...

This was so sweet. Happy bday Chris, whoever you are! All I know is ur someone special to Cocoa and nothing else matters.

I guess I'm still in the infancy of my gay-life but I can see even now that some of the men I love today I will always love and I can only hope that we can grow to have as an amazing friendship as you and Chris have!

JB

life said...

friendship is such a powerful thing

Darius T. Williams said...

Actually, I do. Maybe one day I'll tell the story.

Anonymous said...

Happy B-day Chris!

This was a great post, very well written, and prosed.

iii said...

Cocoa,

You got to right a memoir's or at least a novel. You're life experiences are worth while. Trust me you would be a best seller!!

You make me look forward to a brighter day.

fuzzy said...

NO, sorry if that sounded jaded! My friends that I have known for the short time i have been dating all have alterior motives in mind. They may be there but always waiting on the opportunity!

Congrats on you and your 20 year friendship. Here's to me coming across someone like you have found!

Anonymous said...

rachell farrell always annoyed me

Keisha "Kitten" Isaacs said...

Nice story!....I can honestly say that I have a few friends who I used to date.....our love for each other was deeper than the lust so we chose to put friendship first...I believe a few of them are here to stay for the long haul....peace

Anonymous said...

Even though you do not know me, I have been familiar with your blog for a little over a year. Needless to say, this post have "pulled" me out of 'lurk-mode'.

The fact that you can admire and whole heartedly admit to the impact that this individual has/had on your life is amazing, honest, heart felt, true and sincere. As people, especially men, it is very important to acknowledge others who have live, loved, inspired, lead and unconditionally stood/stand by our sides through the good, indifferent and bad times.

I do not know "Christopher", but his Spirit, through your blog, is very familiar to me. Thanks for the post.

Also, anyone who can appreciate Rachelle Ferrel is a-ok in my book.

-kc-