Now I'm Just "Jim"

Hello to Patrick - who I met tonight.  It was a pleasure meeting you. 

Patrick lost his partner in April of this year.  He has been reading my blog and understands the feelings he is having are a lot the same as mine.

Marguerite and I went to a fund raiser this evening.  That is where I was introduced to Patrick by my dear friend Philip (from Amity Street).  Philip organized a table for a group of us.  Dinner, music, drinks and dancing.  Also a silent and live auction.  It was done very nicely.  Classy and organized.  However...I felt out of place.  Many, many "locals" were there.  I just felt out of my element.  For 21 years I was defined as "Jim and Ray" or...."Ray and Jim."  Tonight I was "Jim."  I'm uncomfortable walking around as an individual.  It seems odd I know.  But, for 21 years there was this comfort level of having Ray by my side.  We could mingle and if no one was around that we knew we could still chat with each other.  Now what do I do?  Walk around like an idiot by myself.?  Hard to explain.  Very hard to explain.  So I just sat at the table all night until time to go.  It was great to see Nita and Teresa, Michael and Todd, Dave Hulst, Jim and Dave, and of course everyone at my table.  And more of course.  I appreciate all of their kindness.

Well, it is now Sunday morning.  Time for me to lay on the couch and watch the second court hearing on Judge Judy I missed today.  - Jimmy