04-25-2014, 08:42 PM
Hi everyone. My name is Michael and my partner's name is Spider. We have been a couple for over 42 years (since 1971). We are both musicians. We grew up in L.A. and back in the day, we were in a band called Red Wedding (L.A.'s first openly gay post punk alternative rock band), but these days we compose soundscape and film score type music here in Tucson, Arizona. If you are at all interested in our musical work, you can go to our Michael and Spider website.
Spider and I have always been an openly gay couple, something that was not always easy back in the early 70's (my own family did not speak to me for nearly 37 years), but our love has stood the test of time and we have had a wonderful life together full of adventures and surrounded by many loving friends.
Last November, we learned that Spider has advanced liver cancer. He is being treated by radioactive isotopes and a chemo pill in hopes of buying him time, but in the big picture, it's not looking good. I can't begin to tell you how many sleepless nights I have had worried about the prospect of losing my best friend and my soul-mate. For Spider's part, he remains upbeat and positive (and he never asks why me). At this stage, we are simply trying to live in the moment and each new day we have together is a blessing.
One of the ways I've been trying to cope with our situation is by writing a blog (a blog in which I am writing about our lives, past and present and sharing some of our music). You see, there are days that are so scary right now that it helps me to write and let go. If anyone is interested, you can go to my-life-on-parade at tumblr. Keep in mind that I'm not a very good writer, but I pride myself on my openness and honesty.
Anyway, I know this is long, but I wanted to share who I am and I'm hoping to connect with new friends, especially friends who can appreciate and understand what we are going through.
I love Spider with all my heart and my wish is that all of you find your true love too.
Spider and I have always been an openly gay couple, something that was not always easy back in the early 70's (my own family did not speak to me for nearly 37 years), but our love has stood the test of time and we have had a wonderful life together full of adventures and surrounded by many loving friends.
Last November, we learned that Spider has advanced liver cancer. He is being treated by radioactive isotopes and a chemo pill in hopes of buying him time, but in the big picture, it's not looking good. I can't begin to tell you how many sleepless nights I have had worried about the prospect of losing my best friend and my soul-mate. For Spider's part, he remains upbeat and positive (and he never asks why me). At this stage, we are simply trying to live in the moment and each new day we have together is a blessing.
One of the ways I've been trying to cope with our situation is by writing a blog (a blog in which I am writing about our lives, past and present and sharing some of our music). You see, there are days that are so scary right now that it helps me to write and let go. If anyone is interested, you can go to my-life-on-parade at tumblr. Keep in mind that I'm not a very good writer, but I pride myself on my openness and honesty.
Anyway, I know this is long, but I wanted to share who I am and I'm hoping to connect with new friends, especially friends who can appreciate and understand what we are going through.
I love Spider with all my heart and my wish is that all of you find your true love too.