david.perlYesterday morning, my beautiful friend Michael passed away. He visited me in a lucid dream just an hour before his departure from this planet. I haven’t dreamed of Michael before.
We first met 2 years ago on a ManKind weekend and since then we grew closer. We spent time together going on walks and being men that lunch. We shared the agony and ecstasy of life. He too had an absent father and 3 sisters. He too grappled with his own inner demons of addiction and codependency.
Michael taught me so much about loving in a conscious healthy way. It was such a different love to that I experienced with my limerence. It was a love not confused by the chemicals of lust. It was a love of fierce honesty and mutual respect. One where we were both able to be vulnerable. A love where I experienced a deep connection and real intimacy. Michael worked hard on himself to be the best version of himself.
And Michael’s final gift was too show me that death needn’t be something for me to run away from. I treasure my more recent visits with him where his body and mind were failing. Just holding hands and shedding tears was enough to communicate what needed to be said. And I was fortunate to have spent some time with him just the day before he passed away.
Michael leaves behind his husband who he married recently, although they had been together for 17 years.
Michael, you gave me so many gifts. I am sad and angry our time together was so brief. Journey safely my friend and wound mate.
Aho
RIP
