An Ode to Spectacular Friends.

I feel this is not too late. There are two friends of mine in Ottawa I went to have tea with them and for some reasons after another, I did not get the time to write a post about them. As I said earlier, it is not too late. These wonderful individuals are some of the greatest friends I have had in my life. I feel sick to the idea that I tried to like some other friends over them and tried to make a profound connection. In reality, my soul was ripped and torn apart by these poseur friends. For a while, I felt terrible and it was so bad, I needed to go see a therapist. After I regained my soul, justice will be served when I write about these two wonderful people.

Their names are Russell and Natalie. I have known Russell for years and we have had a good friendship since we were both in Kindergarten! It is over the years that Russell and I have stayed strong. After being one of the only guy friends in my life after I came out of the closet, I am indebted to Russell and him being there in my life. At the school they both attend, Colonel By Secondary School, it is through Russell that I met his friend, Natalie. They are both really groovy people!

Russell and I talk about university and how we might even be roommates if we both go to the University of Ottawa. He is one of my closest friends, his personality goes against the nasty stereotypes the male gender possesses, and is the one friend that allows me to stay at his house when I visit Ottawa for my Coffee Extravaganzas. I am indebted to Russell in so many ways. I have been friends with him since 1996! As in, I have known him since I was five years old! I apologize for not being able to wrap around that.

In regard to Natalie, she is an ally to the GLBT struggle. She consistently supports me on my Gay-Straight Alliance and really wants to know more about gay people, since she also does have a few friends who are GLBT. She also thought my poem for coffeehouse was wonderful! When I met her for tea, last December, both Russell and Natalie carry so much esteem to their friendship and I am proud to be the "third wheel" to both of them. Even though I have only known Natalie for a short time, she has really been there for me and I really hope for the best with her and Russell.

Natalie and Russell are my heroes! I have no idea where I would be if they did not exist. Another thing, I learned from them that some of the greatest friends are hard to find and leaving your soul exposed for poseurs and manipulators is going to be devastating for the heart. I love them and I hope to have tea with them again soon. Also, for Russell, I hope to stay with his family again when I next come up to Ottawa.

An ode to groovy friendships! All my friends are groovy. I love being a gay man in this world. Thank you.







I feel better now.

William (Rethabile)