vaneramos | Reconnecting

What a year 2008 has been! In November 2007 I agonized because someone from high school had contacted me through Facebook. That and Mom's death led me to reconnect with a number of other school chums by mail and internet. These experiences have been so positive and fun that any apprehensions have entirely evaporated.

On Boxing Day morning djjo and I had coffee with Sarah and Maggie, two of my closest school friends. I've known Maggie since grade three; Sarah since grade five, and we dated during the last year of high school. They are both quality individuals, funny and intelligent. It reminded me that, although I mostly remember how unhappy I was as a teenager, there were some good people around who made it bearable, even enjoyable at times.

The same evening Heather, that friend who first contacted me 14 months ago, had a party and invited everyone she had found through Facebook. Only two of us showed up, me and Lynn, but what a fine time was had!

Here's a little story. In June 1996 I attended my first Gay Pride in Toronto, having just come out of the closet the previous January. Woody's bar (made famous as the set for Woody's bar in Queer As Folk) had a free buffet at lunch time, and I was standing there picking up sandwich meat when someone behind me squealed, "Billieeeeeeeeeee!"

I had changed to my middle name when I came out, so everyone before knew me as Bill. I turned around to see Lynn in an all-white outfit, a white sun hat, golden curls and brilliant red lipstick, with a cigarette holder. She looked stunning.

"Billy, I'm so proud of you!" And she gave me a big hug.

We exchanged phone numbers but by the time I tried hers she had moved, and that was the last time we saw each other. Heather and I played clarinet together in the band all through school, but I hadn't seen her since a class reunion in 1992. It took the magic of Facebook to bring us together again.

I feel a little richer going into 2009. I hope the new year is as hopeful and warm for all of you. Cheers!

Me, Lynn and Heather: