With June being "Pride Month" here in New Zealand I thought it appropriate that I shared someone who was and still is very special to me. This is my mum's youngest brother Uncle Kerry who unfortunately passed away in 1978 from suicide when I was 7 years old - he was gay. We have depression, anxiety and autism through the generations of this side of my family. These days we can talk about our feelings with other people but back then you didn't talk about how you felt, you didn't talk about what was bothering you and your sexuality was kept behind closed doors.
I remember this man as being very kind, very gentle and very caring - all of us were devastated by his death. Personally I think if you know of someone who is struggling, either reach out and see if they want to talk or just make sure you are there for them.
Linking up with Our World Tuesday, Tuesday Treasures, My Corner of the World and Wordless Wednesday.
14 comments:
I am sorry for your loss, and for his.
Thank you for sharing his story at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2021/06/mmmm-magnolia.html
That's so sad, and I'm sorry that the world wasn't a kinder place to him back then. And shame on the people now trying to bring us back to those horrible bigoted days. Especially those in the Australian Government. Shame on us all. #WWOT
What a tragic loss. We can only hope that society is more tolerant today than yesterday.
To pride.
So sad.
Glad we are "free" to share and talk these days.
Or are we. I had a (dumb and kinda mean) colleague who came up with a girl called Daniela.
His husband´d name is Daniel, how sad is that.
I had a customer, he always spoke with affection of his husband.
We have ... well would have ("Corinna") the Christopher Street Parade.
Sorry your Uncle had to choose this way.
He looks very nice and gentle.
To pride. To... what we are!
What a shame that he couldn't go on and see how much more tolerant some of us have become. Live and let live, I say.
...I have a niece and nephew who are gay, life isn't easy for them and others. I'm not sure if American Society will ever understand gay people. Thanks Amy for sharing.
Wise words Amy. Your uncle Kerry looks like a kind gentle man, I'm sure he is thought about often and missed. We certainly need to be more aware of changes in the way our friends and family present 💜
He looks such a lovely good person. So sad
Society had (and still has) a lot to answer for in the levels of intolerance that we displayed and deemed acceptable in others. There seems to be little more devastating than suicide, a life so desperately unhappy they can see no way out and no other end.
Big Hugs
He looks a very kind and gentle man. Its nice that you remember him so fondly.
He had such a kind face. How heartbreaking!
I, too, am sorry that the world wasn't a kinder place to him back then.
Handsome guy! God bless his soul, may he rest in peace.
Sorry for your loss. Those were some hard times back then.
It's nice to see your link this week at 'My Corner of the World'!
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