AIDS Quilt 25 About Joseph

Joseph was a charismatic, cheerful, happy and fun loving guy, occasionally participating on the loud side socially. The first thing anyone would observe from Joseph was always the bright, white three fingered smile, picked up from his time dancing on stage, followed by the most open and welcoming of inescapable personalities. He had more inner qualities than that of anyone I had ever met. On many occasions, we had a rather wonderful non-verbal mutual form of telepathic communication, often being in the same place mentally at the same time. I guess this had been the most common place for us to relax with each other and escape the rest of the world. Often these had been times of our deepest thoughts and [????], silently expressing our future losses with each other, sharing our sorrows, love, and more importantly, our togetherness. He had an eternally bright and radiant aura, capturing anyone in his company to find themselves in the same space. In respect of his difficulties with AIDS, his approach in dealing with the many challenges, taught me and many others so much more about life and living, especially through [????] of his most trying and painful times. He was to us, and still is an incredible positive inspiration to the future. He seldom gave an inclination of where he was emotionally, particularly in the most difficult life threatening circumstances, yet when I could reach deep into his eyes, it was clear to see his struggle. The quilt presented for Joseph has many meanings to us both, some of the ideas came about in conversation prior to his death. The Sun, The Moon, and The Stars represents the most precious gift anyone can hope to accomplish to offer another person out of love. I hope in some way he can receive this gift through the energy from this quilt. The colours I have used represent marriage in the Indian culture, Red, White, and Gold often decorated in beads and stones. We both shared similar interests and beliefs in the primitive aspects of Middle Eastern Philosophers, and our desired to have travelled it together. This is a symbol of our unity and marriage. The inscription embroidered in red was taken from the first correspondence I received from Joseph, shortly after we first met: If you have a friend worth loving, love him Yes, and let him know that you love him Ere' life's evening tinge his brow with sunset glow Why should good words ne'r be said of a friend Till he is dead? The hand painted Cherubs are a personal input of affections to Joseph, they offer peace and serenity with all my love. I have felt Joesph’s presence during every second while sewing this quilt. Working on this panel fulfilled another adjustment to his death, helping us to be more at one and at peace. I now feel secure knowing he is close by where I can visit him more often. Thanks to The Quilty Project for all I received in this experience. Gabriel P Duffy