(photos by Martin McKelvy)
The Virgo birthday season kicks off this week with two of my favorites. Sadly, both Paul and Austin are gone from this world. Perhaps last night was not the most opportune time to watch the French film Amour. It’s been a sobering twenty-four hours.
Both of these lovely men enriched my life and taught me so much about living in the short time they were on this planet and I am grateful for having known them. It’s funny how even when they are no longer here physically, they continue to shape my life. I feel their presence around me in the same way Silky still stays close. I suppose when you keep the memory of the departed vibrant, you actually keep a small part of them alive.
Austin’s ashes were divided among his friends and my parcel resides on my home altar. Paul has a magnificent bench in the Buddha Garden at Hollywood Forever Cemetery and Sylvia’s marker, though far from the memorial she built for Douglas Fairbanks, is also at Hollywood Forever beside her sister Vera Bleck and her nephew Timothy Bleck.
All three of my departed friends enthusiastically enjoyed libations. After the last twenty-four sobering hours, I think it’s time to pour a cocktail and toast to absent friends.
Paul Grillo (August 26th, 1963 – January 23rd, 2012)
Austin Eason (August 28th, 1962 – March 12th, 1994)
ladysilky 
Hi, this was so touching, thank you for putting their photos in. Way too young and vibrant to leave you (us ) here!! I have never met either, your love has brought them or kept them alive in the hearts of your friends & yourself. thank you, Lindsley
Thanks, Linds. They were extraordinary friends and men. I appreciate your feedback!
Was searching the Net to see what Austin might be up to these days and found your post. Is this the same Austin who once lived on Vine St. in Hollywood and was a talented artist?
I didn’t know Austin for long, but I appreciated his artistic abilities and really enjoyed his company. He was a person of depth; a fun, thoughtful, sincere and sweet soul.
Synchronistically, over the last several days, I’ve been experiencing a lot of communion with my mother who left the physical plane six years ago and was a Virgo. “Randomly” landing on your page devoted to Virgos like her is a divine confirmation, I believe: another connection to her that evokes her presence.
Hi Laurel, My apologies for taking such a long time to respond. I haven’t been on my blog in ages! Thank you for your note. Yes, Austin lived at the Villa Elaine on Vine Street in the 1980s. I’m glad you have fond memories of him, as do I. Isn’t synchronicity wonderful?!!! I have lost many beloved people in my life & I believe they’re never really far away, just not in their bodies anymore. They will always be a part of me & I of them. That connection and energy never leaves us. Namaste–Shirley