When I was 16 I was working at the local Piggly Wiggly as a courtesy clerk. One day I came to work and found they had hired a new checker. He was one of the most handsome men I had ever met. He was 6'6" and looked just like Robert Goulet in his prime. He was witty, charming, and totally delightful. He was ten years older than me, and another of the courtesy clerks and I immediately dubbed him our Uncle Don. The other clerk left a few months later, but Don remained my Uncle Don forever.
He taught me so many things during the years. Probably the most important thing I learned from him was how to be a man and be gay individual without ever compromising one to be the other. He knew I was gay long before I knew it or admitted it to myself. He could have easily taken advantage of his older man status, but he never went there. He was like an uncle, a father confessor, a personal adviser, and a close and very dear friend. I loved him with all my heart.
This morning I learned that Uncle Don died ten days ago and was buried after private services. From the care center that is thanked in his obituary, I assume that he was suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.
This has been a tough year.
