In this letter Mickey mentions getting a letter from Benjy, who was my mom’s younger brother. (I’ve mentioned my Aunt Roz in previous posts, Arlene’s older sister by 14 months. My mom also has another younger sister, my Aunt Annie.) My Uncle Benjy was the first gay person I knew. He hated the name Benjy and legally changed it to Greg when he got older. My grandparents still called him Benjy, and our birthday cards were always signed “Love, Uncle GregBen.”  When I was little, we didn’t really know what being gay meant beyond knowing he had a boyfriend. All I remember was that he was lots of fun to be around.  I can still remember his laugh, and how we used to just crack up over silly things.  He died in 1996, from numerous complications from HIV. He was 37 years old.

Like a lot of the letters, Mickey talks of having children in this one. My mom explained to me that their plans were to have two children, and then adopt two children.  One of the hardest things to read in these letters is all of the future plans that never got fulfilled.  

In addition to learning the basics about Mickey, the letters give insight into exactly the kind of person he was. It’s already been established that he was just “such a good person.” But reading his own words drive this home over and over. He talks of what it’s like to argue with someone you love.  

I wish I could talk to him.