God's Hand though it all!

[jak4sure]

My name is Jack. I lived in St Louis, Mo most of my life. I had a partner for 17 years and on my 17th anniversary night on the way to our dinner, He told me our life together was over. I was of course devastated. The loneliness is what I remember the most.

I never thought I would ever move from St Louis. All my friends were there, had a great job, church and everything was so familiar. But, all of a sudden my family decided to move to Florida. I waited until they all moved then went down for a vacation and obtained a job in the first two days. I rushed back to St Louis, quit my job and moved to Ft Myers, FL.

I lived there 4 years. In the 4 years we had 4 hurricanes. My family, living on the water in Cape Coral, FL decided they had enough. They all moved to Thomasville, Ga. I followed in pursuit...moved to Tallahassee, FL.

In Tallahassee I met my new partner, Jack D H, he was HIV+ and I was and am, HIV-. What an odd couple! He smoked, drank and did recreational drugs.
I am a recovering alcohol, drug and smoker for 27 years. But strangely enough we became a great couple and during our time together, Jack D H returned to God. He just passed away Jan. 30th 2008. God's Hand!

God saw a lonely man in Havana, FL with HIV and who thought he would never find love. God saw a man in St Louis, MO that had been devastated by a failed relationship of 17 years and moved me from St Louis, MO to Ft Myers, FL then to Tallahassee, FL and the two of us met. God's Hand!

I never thought I would ever end up with someone who was HIV+ but oh what lessons I have learned. The love I received and was able to give are inmeasurable! Being allowed to be with the person you love while they pass to the other side is such a priviledge! God's Hand!

It is such a joy to reflect and remember how Jack came back to the Higher Power! It is so comforting to know that God is on both sides! This side of life and on the other side when we pass.

I count it all joy! Thank God for the love I was able to share and the time with my partner! Just had to let people know, love comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, diagnosis ect. Don't be afraid to love! When you love, give it all you have and share it with your special person and God! When you look back at situations, you will find that "God's Hand" was there and pulled you through.

Jack A. K (Yeah, we were two Jack's)

To you Jack D. H...SWEET DREAMS, BABY!

[scott snedeker]

Love is connection to the higher power. I'm touched to hear your story. I;m in love with four people, one is hiv +. Hiv is not a barrier to love. I'm sure you will attract love again because you attract love and evoke love in others!:love::love::love:

[Zerbie]

What a beautiful message!

I am so touched by your words. How recent the transition - I cannot imagine the 'place' where you must be right now.

Blessings.
:pray:

[Pablo Rafael]

Jack,

Thanks for your words of ecouragement. My sympathies to you at this time. I am heartened by the positive attitude that you have.

I think it is a blessing when we can see God working in our lives. I am at a time in my life right now where I am really asking God to give me direction. Your words have been uplifting. (Your words may be God speaking to me right now.) God will indeed work in our lives if we give him the chance.

Thanks for sharing this.

Vaya con Dios, Pablo

[Jamie McDaniel]

I read your post this morning, Jack. And then in the Faith and Values section of my local newspaper, the front page was about premature widowhood. Like your words, the words from others who had experienced the loss of a spouse were quite heart-rending.

The article mentioned a local widows support group at Hospice. It stated "The group is open to widows, widowers and bereaved partners, both gay and straight, who discuss everything from getting through the next month to getting through the next 60 months."

The article went on to say, "The first year after the death, the surviving spouse goes through a year of firsts -- first holidays without the spouse, first birthday, first change of seasons -- all of it culminating in the first anniversary of the spouse's death."

I know this next year will be difficult for you, even with the knowledge of God's love and the comfort of the Spirit. Maybe there is a GLBT friendly widows group in your area? :dove:

[kara speltz]

I count it all joy! Thank God for the love I was able to share and the time with my partner! Just had to let people know, love comes in all shapes, sizes, colors, diagnosis ect. Don't be afraid to love! When you love, give it all you have and share it with your special person and God! When you look back at situations, you will find that "God's Hand" was there and pulled you through.

Jack A. K (Yeah, we were two Jack's)

To you Jack D. H...SWEET DREAMS, BABY!

Dear Jack: Your letter is one of the most inspirational postings I've seen. What an amazing sense of gratitude you have. Thank you for sharing your story with us. I have been deeply touched by your posting and will keep you in my prayer circle.

Kara