Eddie
Matias
"The Gifts", Taylor V-H
"San Francisco", Hannah H
"Connection", Kennedy U
"Mount Washington with Gifts", Angelina C.
My Story
Audio
Eddie shares his experiences of high school, and being gay
Memories of visiting San Francisco with friends, Pride, The Castro, and The Cockettes
Finding joy in memories after mourning a loss
Eddie shares how he avoids getting bitter
Different forms of advocacy
We’re here for a reason, even if that reason remains unknown
Loved Ones
Early lessons in relationships
A story of kindness paid forward, and encouragement to help when you can
A story about ‘paying it forward’ that stays with Eddie
Accomplishments
Eddie shares what he is most proud of - taking care of his mother near the end of her life
Early ideas about material success vs. non-material examples of success in life
Qualities that Eddie hopes to be remembered by
Tips for a happy and meaningful life
Regrets & Forgiveness
Eddie shares a story about how he learned to be smarter than the bullies
A friend lost to AIDS, with acknowledgement of the difficulty and also feelings of regret over not seeing him before he died
Challenges in loss for the LGBTQ+ community when biologic family was not supportive
Values
Eddie shares his top three core values
The importance of routine and having daily practices
In response to the prompt, “In difficult times I take comfort in…”
Final Thoughts & Personal Experience
Moments of pure joy experienced prior to the onset of the AIDS epidemic
On meeting friends and knowing if you’ve found good ones
In response to the question, “What is the best meal you’ve ever had?”
