343 members of the FDNY from 75 separate fire companies made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11. More than 100 have died since then from illnesses directly related to their work at Ground Zero. The number grows every year.

Potbellied, or “mini pigs”, were trendy in the ’80”s. People were either confused, misinformed or short sighted when wrapping these beings in boxes with bows and taking them home like toys. Many were left abused and abandoned upon realizing the commitment of caring for them into adulthood.

Our big city became a neighbourhood as 28 of us proudly marched, danced and played with the crowds while handing out YOU ARE LOVED notes by the thousands. We boldly carried signs that read HAVE THE BALLS TO SHOW YOUR LOVE and COME OUT AND PLAY, flaunting our love light amongst 500,000 friends.

Each morning he receives bags of groceries which are masterfully folded into his legendary soup. David also serves hearty helpings of acknowledgement, respect, and kindness with each cup to familiar faces and newcomers, because David knows firsthand the most important ingredient of any good soup, is LOVE.

I put my daughter in the car, without knowing how or where we would find him. Over the next two years, David and I relearned to be siblings. Without sifting through the past or aggrandizing the future, we were grateful for the moments in our hands. We spent time in my world and we spent time in his.

My friend Dave Decarlo, a Vancouver artist who makes masterpieces from recycled stuff, allowed me to feature him with Big Love Ball, in celebration of PRIDE. Dave is approaching 70 and while many men tremble at the mere idea of PINK, Dave has spent his life standing tall and PROUD, in every colour.