So, here's the back story of Dennis. I grew up being raised by a lot of different people, but the main one I played with and ran around with was Dennis, a guy my dad coached in football for 10 years. We would play football, wrestle, play hockey, just run around, do basically everything. I learned to be who I am mostly from him. It's strange, because we look a lot alike - built, freckly, red headed, pale or red skin. Well, I spent a good 12 years of my life around this guy. He taught me a lot of things in my own life. I always thought of him as the amazing, macho guy who has a beautiful wife, a successful softball career, great friends, and a satisfying life and career. Overall the kind of guy i want to be. I found out about a month ago that he's gay. I know he doesn't read this; he's an adult, has a job and a family, all that stuff. I just want him to know, though, whether he sees this or not, that I'm thankful for everything he's given me. I love him like a second father, like an older brother, like an uncle. He was there for me when things got really shitty, he was there when they were great, and he was just plain there. He cared about me. It had nothing to do with sexual preference. I don't care if he's gay, bi, straight; hell, i don't care if he's a friggin monk. He's the same exact man I knew when I was six years old. I just want to thank him, and to tell him I'm still a messed up kid like I used to be, that I love getting scratched up playing football, that I love my significant other with the same power he loves his, and that I'm proud of him. I want him to know that no matter what he'll always be with me, gay or straight, dead or alive, old or young. I miss that big guy. I love him too.