“Wait! Hold the elevator!” I said. I didn’t know him by name, only that he was a new member of the Chorus. As usual, I was rushing out the door after rehearsal to get home. We rode up in the elevator and walked out on to the street, exchanging
introductions. We talked easily and somehow, suddenly, we were sharing our stories.

He had lost his partner to AIDS, caring for him until the time of his death. I was impressed with his sincerity and integrity. Not many men wanted to partner with a man who had been married, especially one with children. He spoke fondly of his partner and his family. I, on the other hand, had been married 24 years and had two children. My wife and I had been in the ministry together. (There! I had “come out” as a Christian and he didn’t run away.) At least I had a success story behind me in
that my wife was remarkably supportive and my children were very loving. While they didn’t understand completely, “I was still Dad!” and we all maintained a healthy relationship. I certainly was not “looking” for anyone, Mr. Right nor anyone else!
Besides, I had already determined that “Mr. Right” didn’t exist. I was, however, always ready to make a new friend. I missed my family and the ministry and didn’t seem to be finding my niche.

We exchanged email addresses and I went away with the satisfaction of having made a new acquaintance, someone who was genuinely interested in who I was and who would hopefully become a “friend” in time. Within a couple of days I received an
email invitation to dinner at his home. After seeing him at work in the kitchen - I was hooked. He could sing and cook! Yep! That’s how it began. Now, it’s been nearly four years and here we are.

Jim has accepted my family as his own and shares in their lives. He is a very sensitive and spiritual man, and above all he loves God with all his heart. Someone once called it “serendipity”, I call it God’s purpose and plan for my life - our lives together.