Within this chapter, the book's title comes to light.
After writing several books that featured Emory in it, I knew his story should be told. I had done divorced, college, alcoholic, etc., but I hadn't done a full story of people of retirement age. Just as I knew when I wrote Say Goodbye to Sparkleland, many of my readers would shy away from a story of someone who had cheated on their true love. But those that stuck with it, I feel, learned to embrace Mitchell in all his mistakes. Likewise, I'm sure some of my readers were disinterested in a story of "older" guys. Hopefully they realize that men are still sexually active as they age. Every age can be "hot" and loving and tender.
Now we have Emory's idea. Heart and Soul has given him purpose. I am not aware of such groups. I might hear from someone who says, "Timothy, don't you know of this and this and this?" If so, I'll just say (with a smile) none of those groups have existed in Jackson Bend. His idea is small, but as Lorenzo has conveyed, it was something important and meaningful. And for that reason, I'm glad Emory has a new direction.
I have known people who felt lost once they retired. They just sat around the house feeling like there was nothing to do. Even some wives have nudged them to do something with themselves. Having a wide open canvas sounds amazing to me. I'll be happy when the day comes that I have no deadlines. I long for the day when someone asks me when I let go of everything: "What will you do?" Like Emory and Don, whatever I want, whenever I want. Retirement scares some people. I find an absolute freedom to it. One day.
When I first created Emory in Coffee at 9, I just wanted an older gay guy to befriend Cooper. I had no real backstory for him. Even when I teased Don in the final chapter of that book, I had no grand vision for Emory's book — or even if I would do one. But once I envisioned Heart and Soul as a fellowship group, the big picture came into focus for me. I just had to figure out how it would overlay Books Six, Seven and Eight.
Would you attend such a group?
As a 66 year old man , who is married to an 83 year old man, together for 40 years, married 8 years, I can relate to the story.
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing about mature love ❤️ !!
I continue to love Emory’s story and this chapter took it to a new level for me! It was lovely to read about Emory starting this group and finding purpose in it. I’m also loving Lorenzos arc which I didn’t see coming when he was in the other story. A wonderful unexpected treat!
ReplyDeleteI love this story! Especially since it is about two retired gentlemen, like me!
ReplyDelete"How about ... Heart and Soul?"
Here we go! That is where the name comes from. What a great idea for a needed group. I hope it takes off. And yes, I would go.
K.
Wait a minute - there *is* such a group, and yes, it's called Late Bloomers.
ReplyDeleteThe group is open to all who identify as men who are at any point in their coming out process. We are supportive of members where they are and do not advocate for any course of action. Some of our members came out the morning before the meeting and others like me came out decades ago, and some haven't started on their journey yet. Many have been married, many have belonged to non-accepting religous groups or non-accepting families.
As far as age goes, it's what you feel is 'late'. The group has had people of all ages, from twenties to eighties.
Timothy's description of the Emory's group is very much what it is like. It is peer support, and we never seem to have any lack of subjects to talk - and listen! - about.
I'm an adminstrator for the group (and an old dude). I have just re-started the online version of the group so people not in the local area can join the discussion. If you're interested, feel free to contact me for more information.
Here's to connection! You are indeed not alone - at any age.
Rick
fae_critter@protonmail.org
Rick,
DeleteThis is great news. I'm glad such a group out there exists. I was indeed unaware, but just from writing about it from my end, I can see how beneficial it could truly be.
Thanks for sharing,
Timothy
Would I attend a group like Heart and Soul? In a heartbeat! At least I say that, but realistically I’d probably chicken out …
ReplyDeleteAnd as for retirement, other than a few folks I’ve stayed in touch with, I always say the only thing I miss is payday.
Thanks again for all the effort you put into your writing.
J.
Unlike some characters in your excellent interlaced fictions that were married at some point in their lives, the mother of my children (I refuse to refer to her as my "ex-wife") and I had discussed in detail my attraction to men before we
ReplyDeletemarried.
So at least from her I was never closeted and never had to deal with the traumas you describe so well.