Only Met Him Once
A couple of years ago, let’s call my lunch partners Mel, Ben and Frank … and I sat down at a nice restaurant in DC. It was a detour from what Mel and I were in the District for but Mel knew Ben personally. Ben invited a friend, Frank, and neither Mel or I knew him. The meeting was about the issue of homosexuality and Christianity. Both Mel and I used to identify as gay, Ben was “on the fence” with the issue and Frank was gay identified.
I remember it was a crystal clear blue sky but it was on the warm side. We ate outside anyway. The conversation was awkward at first. Didn’t really get a footing till everyone figured out that no one particularly cared for pretenses. Then we just simply had a good honest conversation that lasted at least two hours. Mel and I aren’t about chasing people down with our viewpoints but offer them freely when asked or given the opportunity. Ben had requested the meeting and Frank came out of curiosity.
Frank didn’t have a lot to say but when he did speak it was notable. He was by no means a stoic man but his eyes were … if that is possible. He was contemplative and from our little amount of time together he was apparently compassionate. He asked good questions and said that he didn’t like “gay” life but he didn’t know of any other way that was any better. He didn’t know if anything could ever change for him. Of course we shared our experiences, when asked and as appropriate, and he received our words with an open mind and not prefab condemning talking points. He actually believed us from what I could tell but maintained a live and let live approach. At one time when the conversation turned a little heated between Mel and Ben, Frank actually was the one to attempt to broker peace. Frank himself never seemed to get riled up, challenging … yes, upset … no.
He was a good fellow.
I found out today that Frank died very recently. He died alone in his apartment and was found three days later. The cause is unknown at this time. When I first heard about this I was saddened. Not really knowing the man I went on about my day but his face keeps coming back and I wonder if He knew the Lord. We explained the power of Christ that day at lunch but he seemed distant from God. I hate the thought that he died alone.
Again, I only met him once, something in me mourns his passing. I hope to meet him again in heaven.
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