A RIBBON OF RED
A symbol of pride; to show our support
and the genuine fact that we care
A symbol of respect; for those that we love
and of the fight that we all must share
A symbol of courage and a tribute to those
that have already died; their memories will always endure.
A symbol of hope for peace and a future
where there is a cure
A symbol of love and understanding.
Love eases the pain and strengthens the will.
Love helps us to discern.
A symbol of the spirit that will not die.
The disease is defeated by the spirit's flame
that will always burn.
Open your hearts; Wear it with Pride.
Let the spirits fly, the tears flow, and
the laughter, love, and memories endure.
Donna Bray
January, 1996
Daryl,
You gave me my life back. Your strength through my trials of life was totally supporting... and laughter giving - you know, the laughter deep from inside. You taught me again how to love. A year ago I never would have survived your death. I can only hope I had the strength to support you during your trials. Your love will be with all of your family forever.
I felt you and Dennis skipping away in the wind yesterday... Laughter trailing behind... to be together in peace and love forever. I guess there is forever after all.
We all miss you but you gave us all so much. You are with us all forever.
I love you,
Deb
July 21, 1996
In Memory: Daryl John Bray
Born April 27, 1960, son of Norman and Dorothy Bray, brother to Deb and Donna Bray, uncle to Blair and Kevin Summers, partner to Adrian Van Lammeren, Doug Temple and Dennis Shaw.
Daryl attended King Edward Public School, Prince Charles Public School, Huron Heights Public School (where he was Grade 8 Class Valedictorian), A.B. Lucas Secondary School (graduated with top honours), before graduating from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Daryl then became a waiter, most notably at Gabriele's and Anthony's Seafood Bistro in London, and Prego Della Piazza in Toronto. Daryl also spent time practicing Real Estate.
In October, 1989, Daryl tested positive for the HIV virus, and had his first opportunistic infection with a bout of PCP in August of 1993. That experience taught Daryl how to fight, face his fears and emotions, and started him on a spiritual path that led to places many never go.
In the fall of 1994, Daryl took the Healing Touch Course and began to practice regularly. This, along with his own spiritual readings and quest, changed his relationship both with himself, and all others close to him, even if they didn't always quite get it at the time.
Ultimately, testing positive was a positive experience that shook Daryl out of a mundane existance. Daryl came to see the world through his spirit. Our spirit is housed in the body to learn lessons, and our obligation is to learn those lessons before moving on the spiritual world, leaving the body and all material possesions behind. The most important duty while in body is to respect all others, love them, and treat them with kindness and gentleness.
In the summer of 1995, Daryl was forced to quit work as his health problems increased. Daryl was diagnosed with MAC, and had a second case of PCP.
Daryl begain his stay at Casey House on Friday, July 12, 1996, and passed on to the spiritual world at approximately 5:50 on Saturday, July 20, 1996.
I AM THE HAWK
I'm not just my sickness
It's hard to explain to some it seems
Lost in their own fears they only look at disease
It's simple to some but others don't get it
They only see AIDS. They don't see me.
I'm not just this wasted body that's here
Beyond, my beingness reaches out
Allow that to be
Still care for me
and still love me
That should never change
Feel sad and share your fears
Reach your pain and pass through
But when all you see is sickness and death
There's a spirit that flies still and always will.
But for now I'm just sickness to many out there
To some I'm loved, I'm special, I'm blessed.
For those who only see AIDS in my face
Look in my eyes and see a "spirit"
that flies to all places.
Visits time and space not known to most
Look to my eyes
My spirit still soars.
I'm the Hawk I'm powerful I'm blessed
and some see.
Daryl John Bray
November 12, 1995
MY SON
What is a Son. He's your Joy, he's your love, he's your life.
Along the road we did share, life's treasures, love's fond memories,
and more.
We had good times: Away-we-go trips, and sing a long times.
A valedictorian and more. He was my son.
As time moved on we shared in his laughter and sorrow,
knowing full well there would be more.
A hug with pain, " Oh, Dad take care".
For he was drained, and we pained in sorrow.
As I held your hand that eventful day, all I could see
was beauty and love we had shared.
You gave so much, you gave to others.
Through your sweet music a comfort to all.
And although you are missed, we share in the Joy,
knowing you are with God.
"Soaring With Eagles In Beautiful Peace."
Love always,
Dad
August 1, 1996
