I am amazed by all that is surrounding the death of Michael Jackson. I think that Neverland Ranch is about to become the new Graceland. I think the last death that affected the world like this was Princess Diana’s. I will remember where I was when I heard the news. I also think that regardless of the negative aspects of his life, that he was a musical genius.

David called me again today. He is writing his story. He has a way with words that I strive to reach. It comes naturally for him. I have some of his early writings hidden away in a tupperware bin in my garage. He is excited to write about he and I. I am excited to hear his memories of us.

I was 20 years old when I met him. 3 months from my 21st birthday. I had been involved with HIV/AIDS awareness for approx. 9 years at that point and had just moved to Hawaii to get to know my mother. My first day on the island she told me that she had a friend that I would love to meet. His name was David and he had AIDS. I flat out refused to meet him. I would not meet someone because he had AIDS. Regardless of my passion for my work. I was very adamant about that. We went for a drive that afternoon so I could see the island when she pointed out that we were nearing his house. Again I refused. She hesitantly drove past his house and we stopped by the grocery store to get something for dinner before heading back home. As we walked through the store I glanced down the beer aisle and my eyes locked with a very handsome strangers eyes. I knew his face from a dream. A reoccurring dream. I knew his face as I dreamt that I had held his hand as he lay dying in a hospital. Noone else around. Just the two of us and a big picture window looking into a dark hospital. This dream had haunted me for years. There he was. He smiled. I smiled. My mom came around the corner, a big smile on her face as she greeted David with a hug and kiss.

I was floored. This was David.

Mom introduced us. He hugged me. “Welcome home” he whispered in my ear. Another friend was introduced at the same time, Jon Jon. It was a quick meeting.

Mom and I drove home and I proceeded to fall asleep almost instantly. I was 4 hours in the future from where I had been when I woke that morning. I was exhausted. I had intense crazy dreams that night. I remember waking and going straight to mom and telling her I needed to go to his house. I needed to talk to him.

We didn’t call. Just got dressed and drove to his house.

We pulled up in front of the ancient green cane house. Knots in my stomach. I followed mom up to the door and watched her knock. David greeted us with the most amazing smile. Full of warmth. I felt at home instantly. Mom sat down with other friends and David grabbed my hand and we walked to a quiet place in the house. I had never felt a gaze that reached so deep inside of me before. I didn’t need to say anything. He already knew. I told him anyway. He didn’t need to respond. I already knew. But he did.

David and I knew each other.

Mom was ready to go and I stayed right where I was. It was the first night I slept at his house. He found a quiet corner for me. Sat on the floor next to me and sang a song in french… j’mapelle susie… He didnt’ know where he learned it but he had known that song for as long as he could remember and it was for me.