The past two weeks have been some of the most heart-wrenching of my life. Though it’s over now, the loss of Grandmama is not something that I will actually ever get over. It may get easier with time, and I will always have fond memories of Grandmama, but none of that is a lot of consolation at the present time.
However, today is Bastille Day in France, and I can without hesitation say that I would much rather be in Paris today, or anywhere in Europe for that matter, just to be somewhere else.
About Joe
I began my life in the South and for five years lived as a closeted teacher, but am now making a new life for myself as an oral historian in New England. I think my life will work out the way it was always meant to be. That doesn't mean there won't be ups and downs; that's all part of life. It means I just have to be patient. I feel like October 7, 2015 is my new birthday. It's a beginning filled with great hope. It's a second chance to live my life…not anyone else's.
My profile picture is "David and Me," 2001 painting by artist Steve Walker. It happens to be one of my favorite modern gay art pieces.
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Joe
The Closet Professor 
July 14th, 2012 at 1:44 pm
:::Hug:::
July 14th, 2012 at 5:31 pm
Big caring Hugs
July 14th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
!!!!!HHHHUUUUGGGG!!!!!I know how you feel, Joe. It's been that way with my mom and dad both. My heart goes out to you.Peace <3Jay
July 14th, 2012 at 9:52 pm
Who wouldn't want to be in Paris – especially for a time like this? (Joe: By the way, as an English Major, you would have known better: Should it have been "Wishing I WERE somewhere else"?)
July 14th, 2012 at 10:21 pm
Thanks, Mike, Joel, and Jay.Anon, I'm actually a history major and admit that sometimes I do get mixed up on some of the more arcane rules such as wishing I were/was, but thank you, I have corrected it.
July 15th, 2012 at 7:24 am
Joe…There is nowhere on God's earth better than France on Quatorze Julllet. We were in the South West near Bordeaux in 2010, and were among the guests of honor at a lot of the celebrations.As a memorial to your grandmama, be there next year and if you're in Paris go to the American Cathedral on Ave. Georges V (St. Paul's Episcopal) and say a prayer.
July 15th, 2012 at 8:45 am
Dear JoeYou are right. "Wishing I were" is one of those arcane rules. Considering the situation at which you are, it's awfully unkind of me to remind you of that. Very sorry about that. Since you are so well-versed in poetry, I just assumed you to be an English major. I was in Paris 22 years ago today…