The Procession to Valhalla

[storytimewithjoe]

A friend of ours took this picture of the procession to Kolfinna’s memorial ceremony at Great Western War. Since my hubby was asked to officiate, the organizers of the procession placed us up front. I did not quite realize at the time just how large the procession was. Yet, this was nothing compared to the number of people that we would meet as we arrived at the battlefield.

 

I feel such a mix of emotions as I look back at this picture. Still feeling so very hurt and depressed at the loss of a good friend, I once again fight back the tears. Yet, seeing so many people, and such a fitting tribute, I cannot help but think that we all did good. For me, this picture is so very, very poignant. You can see Kitty’s banners. You can see her shield. You can see a good collection of her friends and colleagues. Prominent in yellow, you can see Sven, the partner-in-all-things that she left behind. And out in front, there are two of her favorite gay guys walkin’ hand-in-hand. I don’t think I realized as we walked out to the tribute that we walked hand in hand. For a lot of gay couples out there, that seems to be one of those weird little taboo things that they just cannot do in mixed company. Maybe in Ptown or in Key West or in San Francisco – but certainly not out among the regular crowds. Le Gasp! Not so for us. We were both in emotional distress and my husband in particular faced having a very difficult duty before him. So probably without even thinking about it, as we walked, our hands joined – joined in support, joined in comfort, joined in need.

 

As we arrived at the site for the ceremony, I pealed off to join the crowd while Paul took his place in the center of activity to begin the ceremony. As the emotion began to creep up on him, I abandoned my spot in the crowd to again stand by his side. I cannot imagine how difficult that must have been for him. For me, simply speaking in public is a Great Big Huge Fear. But to combine that with the emotional intensity of losing a loved one? Ugh!

 

Kitty, I can only hope that we did you proud. Tough chick that you were, you still had a soft spot for your gays. Was it a coincidence that two of us led the procession to honor you passing over the Rainbow Bridge? Hmmmmm…

 

Comments

[squirreltot.livejournal.com]

Looks like a great day! And damn - your hubby was working his costume - hubba hubba. I can't help it, a good looking man in tights is ... well...a good looking man in tights! :o)

[joeguppy.livejournal.com]

And that he is!!!

[joeguppy.livejournal.com]

YOU WERE THERE????????!!!!! WAH! I wish I'da seen you!

[firedrake-mor.livejournal.com]

Thank you for sharing that, Joe -- I couldn't be there, and to see this made that hurt a little less. Knowing that you and Paul have that kind of love for each other gladdens my heart more than a little

[damethea.livejournal.com]

I miss her so much. It does my heart good to see so many people with so much love for her led by the two of you. Thank you for sharing the photo and your words.