A deceased brother, and The Star's editorial

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http://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/readers/2015/03/31/deceased-brother-stars-editorial/70737358/

On Tuesday, I did what I never do. I walked my dog down to our local market and bought a copy of The Indianapolis Star. In fact, I bought two copies. The reason: the "Fix This Now" emblazoned on the front page.

With the papers under my arm, I walked to Plainfield's Maple Hill Cemetery, and found my brother's grave. My brother, who had been a troubled Vietnam War vet, was gay at a time when being gay was a very difficult thing to be. When he died of AIDS in 1985 in a far-off city, his refuge from his closed-minded native state, some in our family were sufficiently ashamed that his cause of death was not discussed.

At the grave I opened The Star. I said, "Well, Charlie, times have changed, thank God. It turns out you were on the right side of history after all." Then I read aloud as much of the paper's editorial as tears would let me get through.

And today I'm doing what I never thought I'd do. I'm renewing my subscription to The Star. I'm doing this because, if for no other reason, I believe we must all support those who stand against discrimination and for inclusiveness. I do it too as thanks to The Star whose courage and right-mindedness on this issue made this moment of personal closure possible for me.

Nick Crews, Plainfield

[marym625]

1. beautiful tribute to your brother

I'm so sorry for your loss.

We lost my cousin to AIDS in 1987. His family kept his real illness secret. At least until the very end. Then, some family members were just horrible. Even going so far as to have a toddler tested because he was near him.

To your brother

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2. Thanks, but I didn't write that, I was just reposting.

I agree. A beautiful tribute to his brother.

[marym625]

4. Sorry. I read it incorrectly

It is a beautiful tribute

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3. Also, I am very sorry about your cousin

[marym625]

5. Thank you

It's still hard to believe that people were like that. I went to the hospital when he was dying, I helped clear his mouth and kept it moisturized. Didn't even occur to me not to do what I could. There were a few family members that were like that. His immediately family was fabulous with him. But damn. Some aunts and uncles and even cousins. .. I hope that they feel shame when they look back on it.