.png)
I miss Paul. Can’t believe he is no more. Like the many many friends here, I was attracted to Paul by pure love. Love that is, dare I say, platonic. But for sure, manifest in the thousands of hours spent in fortunate company with him. Just him and me. By the fireplace. In his Monroe street home. The home that burnt him alive.
I grieve for his company. I grieve for the loss. I grieve with the hundreds of his friends.
Over the last 15 days, since the saddening day, the fire that engulfed his home extinguished the spirit of our friendships, our love for Paul, I have recounted a hundred thousand moments with Paul. Recounted those moments in my mind. Transliterating them here will be, I hope, will be my humble attempt to foster this monument of love among all of us, dear friends of Paul.
Stephanie, I truly appreciate the effort you have put in to this web site, to his foundation and to all things that will help us recall our memories of Paul.
Doing Good...
I first met Paul while working in a women's health clinic, he helped women in the recovery room. His words always a comfort, very sensitive with a touch of humor as needed/appropriate. I knew him when his hair was long and he wore pilot sunglasses. After his hair was cut, it always took a few minutes to adjust from the face I knew, but his voice and those eyes always revealed the Paul I could recognize. He was a person whose friendship I valued, he and others that surrounded him at that time became part of a special friendship group. He would keep me updated as to their milestones in life. Over and through the decades we kept in touch, albeit sporadically. About 10 years ago I brought my husband and two sons to DC to meet him, it was a delightful evening enjoyed and well remembered.
When I think of Paul now I am reminded of a gesture where he lifted one shoulder and opened the opposite hand toward me as if to say "whatever". It was endearing, I think it also meant, I don't have all the answers... (even then, we thought he did).
I miss him being part of this world, I am extremely sad for the way he died, but I am so glad to have passed through his life.
Thanks Stephanie for your timeliness in setting up this very special website, it is a comfort.