The Reverend Peter J. Gomes was a friend. He was my partner's academic adviser at Harvard Divinity School, then his mentor, and finally a friend to both of us. He not only preached at our wedding, he offered his house for the reception. Peter published many collections of sermons and wrote best-selling books about the Bible, including
The Good Book: Reading the Bible with mind and heart, which informed the nonprofit I founded,
Our Spirit, to help gay/lesbian youth feel good about themselves despite religious fundamentalists.
Monday February 28th, two hours after Peter died of complications from a stroke, I got the news while in line at a cafe. In honor of Peter I ordered their hardiest red wine. Kent and I went straight to our seats and didn't talk much. Peter was unabashedly himself. So, with the wine and my laptop, I unabashedly - finally after several months - contacted a published author who said she'd help with my agent search when the time was right. My friends had been urging me to hurry up and query. Peter had urged me to get on with it. So, finally, I did.
Thank you, Peter, for friendship. For laughter and cigars on your porch. Thank you for being unabashedly yourself and for helping the rest of us move in that direction.
Photo: Peter toasting Kent (far right) and me at our wedding reception.
More about Peter: 60 Minutes,
New Yorker,
New York Times
May he rest in God's gentle care. And best of luck to you on your queries.
ReplyDeleteVery moving post. I find it very beautiful and meaningful that you are taking action in honor of Peter.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for you loss.
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you had someone to encourage you in all aspects of your life. Though he is no longer here in the flesh, I'm sure he's with you in spirit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely piece in honour of a dear and respected friend, now sadly passed. I'm sorry for your loss but happy for you that you knew such a friend and cherished him.
ReplyDeleteJai
it sounds like he was a great person! We need more such good people in this world.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. He sounds like a very special person.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like he had an open and generous heart. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteThere's no time like the present. Sounds like you are so blessed to have known such a man.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm so sorry to hear this. It sounds like was an inspirational friend. When you find that agent and publish your book, he'll be smiling from Heaven.
ReplyDeleteRobert, I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like you are taking some amazing action in his memory.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you lost a very good friend, and that's always sad. I've had a similar kick-in-the-pants from a similar loss. Good for you for using the experience in a positive way.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, but so happy that he influenced your life in such a positive way. I'm sure he'd be very proud.
ReplyDeleteThis was a beautiful post, Robert. I can tell how much you loved and respected your friend. People like him leave a permanent mark on our lives and hearts. Glad he gave you the strength to start your writing journey and to continue it in his memory!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss...it's amazing how these loss can inspire us. Good luck with your queries.
ReplyDeleteTravel safely to this celebration of a great man who lived so abundantly. Keep listening to him cheering you onward.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I missed posting on this post. I've been thinking of you. :)
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