December 2007
Different Strokes
A quaint bar on Seventh Street in Parkersburg, WV. and the only gay bar within a 100 miles, it was small but big at heart. Gene Davis was sitting on a gold mine. He ran the club with perfection. This bar was a second home to me and many others, and the main reason was its 'Cheers like' atmosphere.
At Different Strokes, the people were very relaxed and when out we all got along regardless of ethnicity, background, color, or race. It seemed that there were no real cliques, just individuals out to have a good time. It was truly a close knit family.
The weekends were always filled with entertainment. At the time, our hostess for every night was Ms Amanda Love. "The Queen of the Night." The dance music was fresh and the parties were top quality plus it certainly helped that the bar was always packed.
I still recall a lot of the old gang from there, and they all made it worth coming out on any given weekend.
Among them were Rob, Rodney, Debbie, James, Tony, Trish , Joanne, Chuck, Lisa J, Gene, Alice, Mike, Bobbie Jo, Stacey, Tina, Rocky, Tim B, Rob, and many many more.
These days were golden and the doors are now closed, but the memories run deep in our souls. It seems now, the young crowd has pretty much ran all the old gang out of the clubs and we have no place to call home. We still do have our memories of Different Strokes, and will always be thankful to Gene Davis, for showing us what true community meant in Parkersburg, WV. Thanks Gene
KIRK
This week, I wish to talk to you about my brother Kirk. Another member of the family, quite unique in personality and an individual of reckless abandonment. He has, since childhood, led a very difficult life and it reflects all through his first thirty years. He has been in and out of trouble from the age of 13. We often say that people can change when something has turned them down the wrong path, but, when it comes to addiction, I don't believe they can without the support and love of others. Kirk has been fighting addiction for many years and still struggles with it. Asking for help is something that Kirk is not good at. He often asks God for help, but ultimately can't defeat the habit.
My brother has developed a destructive lifestyle or, at least, he has up until the last year or so. He went through some traumatic experiences like all of us kids did, but he was ultimately the one who paid the heaviest price. I believe the cards fell this way, because of his age and not knowing what to feel about certain circumstances.
My brother Kirk, is a good boy and I love him dearly. I do not blame him for any of his problems, but one thing goes without saying: is he is my brother, I love him and if he needs me I am here. We have always been there for each other in times of need, but in reality we are totally alike and it tends to keep our relationship very heated.
Kirk met a wonderful girl about two years ago now. Her name is Nikki and she has literally turned my brother around. I mean he isn't perfect now, but he is really trying. We all see the change in him and we welcome her to the family. She is a Godsend and we thank her for giving Kirk life again.
Kirk is a good hearted boy; he is always thinking of others, but for some reason when it comes to showing his feelings, it is very tough for him. I love Kirk and I treasure what time we have spent together. What I am trying to say is-- brotherly bond and love is genuine, regardless of silly little arguments.
Kirk is blessed now by God and I can only look ahead for more good to come from him and Nikki. I love you both.
The next stage of my life consisted of many days and nights of partying at Different Strokes. Our friends list continued to grow and grow. We spent a lot of time doing karaoke with Debbie and Hunky. I even developed a crush on him and knocked off another conquest. Although, I longed for a relationship, I knew where he and I stood. Until this day, we are still great friends and I am sure both of us wonder at times what could have been?
I was going through the slut stage, looking for love in all the wrong places and trust me I was searching in everyone. If there was ever a time to be called easy, this was it. Not because I wanted sex all the time, I was looking for a partner, but it just wasn't happening.
Finally, one October night, a guy that I thought was cute was standing by the rest room door and our table. His name was Rob. I remember it well, because back then all he wore was WVU attire. We talked for a few minutes and discussed meeting the next night to get to know one another. I was so excited.
It was finally the next night around 10 PM when Rob showed up. We we're hitting it off really well and got really shit faced. We went back to my place and had a love making session. I knew I was falling for this guy.
We then had to deal with B. J. and her insane jealousy. The only problem was that I was not sure what she was jealous of. Was it me, or the fact that I had found someone, or just because she feared I would move out? Till this day, I still have no clue.
Anyway, she turned on me and planned for three guys to attack me one night after coming home from the bar. Needless to say, I saw it coming and got the hell out of there.
Three days later I moved in with a couple lesbian friends of mine, Trish and Joanne.
Check back next week to see how things go with the girls, and also does my relationship ignite or sputter out.
Moving Out and Forward
Okay, I spent the next month living with Trish and Joanne, partying almost every night. The girls loved one another but it was obvious they were not happy together. I was kinda put in the middle, in almost every argument. I really didn't like having to lie to either one of them but it was the only way to stop the fighting. I was having a good time partying with them, and really enjoyed partying with Doug too. He was cute and flirted with me a lot but I was really in love with Rob.
I could not believe the way I felt about him. We talked on the phone all the time. I remember one night the girls went away and it was my birthday. He came over brought me flowers, some beer, and we made mad love on their couch.
We started talking about the problems that the girls was having and I told him how I felt bad because I was lying to keep them from fighting. I told him, I really hate to do that. He suggested or said if it is that bad there, you can always move in with me.
Gosh, this is what I longed for. I was so in love with him, he had no clue what that meant to me. A dream was coming true. I remember making love to him every night on the water bed. I never ever had the feeling of completeness like I did with him. When we held each other, it just felt right and when we spooned, we seemed to complete one another. Man, romance at its finest.
We lived there for almost a year, and then we decided we were going to build a home together. The mobile home we lived in, Rob had decided that he would offer it to my mom, on payment basis. So, she was going to have a home of her own too.
Everything was happening so fast, and things were going great. I loved him and he loved me.
He even enjoyed going to Marietta and spending time with my mom and nephew. That was a big deal to me. I loved my family and enjoyed any time possible with them. Not to mention, every weekend we would go to the Mountaineer games, we both loved doing this. He even had a place up in Morgantown. His friends were great and invited me right in.
WE were together a year now and I really saw forever in him. Next week, I tell you about our plans to build a home together and the rough road ahead.
bravenet.com