These notes are primarliy for my post about Chuch and Politics and how American beliefs have changed over the last twenty years.
When I wrote to Brad Paisley two months ago, I mentioned that I had visited Central California for my Godmother's funeral. This is true. Also true is that I have had two Godmothers. My first Godmother died when I was in 8th grade. Mike Farrell, the actor best known for his role in MASH, spoke at my first Godmother's funeral. My first Godmother worked in the entertainment industry. She knew Mike Farrell.
After the funeral more than 30 years ago, many people gathered at her parent's house. I remember standing next to him and realizing that he was lonely. Mike Farrel had shared personal stories at the funeral, and yet nobody seemed to talk to him at the reception. He was a televsion star, but he was also grieving for the same person as the other guests. I wanted to talk to him, because he knew my Godmother, but I was in 8th grade. What was I going to say?
Fast forward to the first Walter Capps fundraiser I attended. Mike Farrell was the guest of honor. I went to the fundraiser so that I could thank him for his eulogy. I may not have become involved in politics if my first Godmother had not died of breast cancer and Mike Farrell had not somehow been involved with both my Godmother and Walter Capps. Strange World.
When I worked for Walter Capps, I met many interesting people. Bryant Wieneke was one of the most decent people I met during the campaign. While researching for my post on the blog, I found a book he wrote about Walter's political campaigns. "Winning Without the Spin: A True Hero in American Politics." I have read excerpts and I would have continued reading, but I must sleep. I found one phrase worth sharing.
"... it amazed me that any successful organization could be so self-indulgent and inefficient."
That described me pretty well. (except for the successful part.) I described me a little better when I wrote about my friend Mark Bingham. I would meet Mark after I left Santa Barbara and moved to San Francisco. Much of the world knows Mark as a passenger on Flight 93.
Tomorrow, Mark will have been dead 13 years.
After I stopped working on the Capps 94 campaign, I began attending a Santa Barbara church. When I left Santa Barbara five years later, I missed the church. This post gives some of the feeling. In part, I missed the church because it was a place where everyone seemed to grow. The congregation became more accepting of gay and lesbian people. I became more accepting of church people and I even became a church person. (I never became gay, but I am sloppy with pronouns, so if you confuse my identity, I understand.)
When I left my heart in Santa Barbara, I found a new church through a Trinity SB connection. I began attending Trinity San Francisco with Robert Cromey. Cromey had worked with Bishop George Barret in the 1950's. Barrent was the retired Bishop in Santa Barbara.
Between Capps, Barret and Cromey, I found three white, straight, religious men who became role models. I saw that a person like me could advocate and still be me. I kept my old role models and just added more inspiration. I would need it in the future.
TWLOHA, or To Write Love on Her Arms, inspires people to support each other. This week focuses on suicide prevention. September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. I believe there is a similar day in November.
When I met and photographed Brad Paisley last month, I accidentally wore my TWLOHA shirt. (Paisley's photographer took the photo of Paisley and me.) I often wear it when I shoot, but I did not want to distract any other shooters. I thought I had packed a solid black shirt. I think it worked out well.
bf
