Darlings, So We Were. So We Are. How Shall We Be??????????

Darlings, let me tell you, six months ago today, the photo above went from being obscure--one not to be seen except by family, friends and contemporaries--to iconicized--seen and known by everyone over the world.

I am talking about the now famous Facebook photo of Tyler Clementi.

Six months ago today, the world lost a sweet, talented, and vulnerable young man. A young man who enjoyed helping people, was talented at many things (everyone talks about his musicianship, few mention his prowess on the unicycle, which I think is fantastic!!!!!!!), and had so many things to contribute. Apparently, his chosen field was going to be medicine, which speaks to how truly bright he was, and I think he would have made strides in this field, whether he became a physician or anything else health related.

And today, like the quiet, but classy people they semm to be showing every evidence of being, Tyler's parents, Joe and Jane Clementi, have stated that while they want the roommate, Dhran Ravi, prosecuted, to demonstrate how this went far beyond being a prank and an extreme violation of a person's privacy and individual rights, they do not want him to suffer what they call " a harsh punishment."

Hats off to you, Joe and Jane!!!!!!!!!! We who salute you and Tyler will abide by your wishes.

Speaking as the Raving Queen, though, I think this prosecutory wish should also extend to Molly Wei. She participated in it openly with Ravi, and as I have said she was twice in the unique position of being able to stop this, of saying to her friend and classmate, "No, this is wrong, we should not do this!" But did she???????? No!!!!!!!!!!!! So I think she should be included.

But if the Clementis do not wish it, so be it. They have been active in establishing scholarships in Tyler's name to honor his memory, and I stand ready to help that honor be continued.

Six months later, it still hurts. It hurts that Tyler is not here to fulfill the promise he so capably showed. It hurts his friends and family to be deprived of his company and comfort. But if the Clementis can take the high road, who are we not to follow their lead????

I say make this a day of remembrance for Tyler. Honor and think about the good he did, the sweet thing he was, and pray for his eternal peace.

And realize that because of Tyler, things will never be the same!!!!!!!!!!!