September 1, 2016--Saintgeorge

[zyzyly]

I found out, via Facebook, that my friend Patrick O'Neill (saintgeorge) passed away recently. He was among my oldest friends on LJ, way back when I was myasma. He was outspoken and unique. He had a big heart.

I last heard from him earlier this year when I received a card he sent from India. He had been to India when he was younger, but health problems had always kept him from returning, until this year. I am glad he was able to go again.

When I took my long journey across Canada 11 years ago (that I documented in my other other journal ghostjourney), I stopped in to visit him where he was living in Toronto, just before I passed back into the US on my way home. I wasn't planning to go home until that day, when I decided it was time. We sat on his porch and drank tea. I don't think either of us was really comfortable, because we were both introverts, but it did create a bond between us that kept us friends all these years.

I don't really remember the context for this picture, other than it had to do with my left foot, and I remember taking it. It was the picture I posted on the day I met Patrick, even though I know I took a picture of him on his porch. I will have to find it and post it later. One interesting thing about this picture is that, on the day I took it, I was also thinking about my friend Lynn, who passed away late last year.

Comments

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

I remember those photos of your foot! I'm glad you got to meet Patrick. He was unusual in my experience and always kind to me. It's good to have known him. His sister replied to my expression of sympathy at FB, saying he will be glad of my prayers for him, so I'd say the natural openness to the spiritual was a family trait.

[(Anonymous)]

He was unusual--unique. I loved his comments in my journal. He would often come back hours later and edit them, thinking they were too strong, but they were always about perfect.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

this was me, lol.

[daisydumont.livejournal.com]

I figured you were in-between LJs. ;)

Yes, Patrick was one of a kind!

[thoughtsbykat.livejournal.com]

I'm glad that you were able to meet up with your friend at that time. Sorry for the loss of your friend.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

thank you!

[brendamom.livejournal.com]

Sometimes it is so strange that most of us LJ friends have never met in person. Yet we KNOW one another fairly well. A long time ago you told me about corresponding with a girl you had met on your travels...Malida...And I suggested you might want to go visit again. :) I believe we make a difference in each other's lives, however small...it is there. Maybe it is just encouragement.

[zyzyly.livejournal.com]

I believe we do, and that even though we haven't met (yet), we are real friends. It is hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced this environment, but those who have know.