Fantastic Four

At one point in my life, I thought I had a set group of downe friends. Unfortunately, not all of us were able to see eye to eye and there were some obvious conflicts within the group. Fortunately, I was able to keep one of them and really call them a friend.

Since then, I longed to be in a group that was more coherent. I see that Arnell has that. I see how he happy he is to have his group: Emmett, Nate and Geof. Sometimes, I'd feel like I'm on the sidelines watching him interact with them. I know I'm a part of the group, but only to a point. I'll never be part of that top four. It's not that they leave me out, but I can only be "in" with the group so much.

Those guys really make me feel welcomed. It's nice to be part of an adult group of gay men who appreciate ADULT things without really letting go of the immaturity factor. Even though the group may be amended once in awhile, it's nice to know that I'm considered family.

I've had gay friends who were my age, but I learned that age isn't always an indicator of maturity and wisdom. However, "the fellas" (as my boyfriend lovingly refers them as) make me feel like I have good friends on the downe side of my life. As stupid as we can be, I can't think of any other group that I can really be a part of. They've accepted me as Mark, not as RnL's boyfriend...but as an individual who is a part of a family that's constantly growing and thriving together.

It was fun to venture to Vegas together, and now we're going to Time Square. I know that this group will always be a part of me.

Thanks to you beb, you put me in a place I've always wanted to be. A downe family...