Woodburn, Rick

Dear Rick--I did not know you, but as I look through these many, many obituaries of beautiful gay men whose lives were cut short in such a terrible way, I've decided to leave a note on yours. I could have so easily been you--I don't know how or why I was spared, while you and so many others weren't. I can't imagine going through what you went through. I'm sure that you would be amazed to know the progress that has been made since you walked this earth, though there is still so far to go. The era of such great loss is becoming so long ago now, and our generation of gay men will be completely gone soon enough, but I want you and all of our fallen friends, brothers and lovers to be remembered....

My Uncle Ricky.... so beautiful and gentle and so very loving.. only 14 years older than me, we were more friends than uncle and niece. Always my favorite person to be with in the entire world! You taught me how to climb a tree (starting with the low limbs), and then eventually you built my confidence and I was climbing to the tops of those trees. And you also taught me how to climb on the roof of the house! (Which did get us in trouble, but we just ran away and hid and then laughed so loud that we were found and scolded!) You also built rope swings in those same trees and pushed us as ‘high as the sky’ and you taught me to cross the road safely when you took me to the store for a candy bar and a strawberry soda. You stayed up late at night and helped me sneak outside on the porch so we could talk and be silly and then we would go quietly outside and chase the fireflies thru the yard...then you would try to tell me creepy ghost stories and try to scare me (which didn’t, but I really loved it anyway!) You were so creative. You made the most wonderful Christmas ornaments and decorations.. and you drew and painted and made the most beautiful works of art. All of which I (and the rest of the family) cherish to this day. I love you and miss you SO much, Uncle Ricky. Losing you still hurts so much! But you will never be forgotten. Your legacy of love, gentleness, and just pure kindness will be with us forever.