I'm not ashamed to say I'm having trouble coping with

[cboy4]

the death of this stranger in life, yet someone I consider a hero.

Here was this young, handsome, successful heterosexual actor willing to take on that role in Brokeback Mountain.

He didn't need the work, or the money. It was a risk, yet he accepted.

My gosh, if only he knew how much that means to myself and our community.

How many of us watched that movie and said, "This is my life. I know how this ends!"

Heath and his character helped change my life. There are no more wasted opportunities.

Not to mention, society got and up and close look at the hell so many of us have to endure for love.

The ending theme music to Brokeback still haunts me, yet in a good way.

The strums of that guitar have been playing in my head since I heard the news today.

I haven't been able to watch the movie after the third and a half times because it's too painful.

Much like tonight, as the reality starts to sink in.

Thank you Heath for helping us.

You helped us and you're my hero.

[Mythsaje]

1. I can't look at it from your p.o.v., of course...

But I quietly cheer your poignant goodbye.

[NanceGreggs]

2. This is beautiful, cboy4!

What a lovely way to say a fond farewell.

[cboy4]

3. Thank you Nance. That means a lot coming from

such a gifted writer.

[NanceGreggs]

6. Thank you so much, my friend ...

... especially coming from you, an equally gifted writer, as you have demonstrated with your OP.

I cannot pretend to know the depth of hurt that people cause to those who only seek to love - in the same way I cannot understand the depths to which some people will sink in order to declare that some love is not equal to others'.

Is love not, in the end, all that is important?

[saracat]

4. Very Beautiful cboy4! I am sorry for your loss for though you didn't

"know" him, you have experienced a loss. RIP Heath.

[pepperbear]

5. Now he's the James Dean of the 21st century.....

to be remembered forever as a young, gifted, and stunningly handsome artist.

[hlthe2b]

7. Yes, certainly, but sadly, another victim to drugs...

I appreciate the poignancy of the post, but I fear that we sometimes glorify these fallen young artists, who left us all too young. Perhaps glorify is not the right word, but I'd like to think that one day, a signal would finally be received that would allow us to focus on drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment, before the next young James Dean of the 21st century.

RIP, Mr. Ledger. May your young child find the comfort to deal with this tragic loss and to guide her through life.

[swoop]

8. I'm not a gay male but....

...his death really has me bummed, too. He had so much courage in taking on that role. I really just feel so bad for him; just 28 years old. What a shame. Really.

[bigscott]

9. thanks cboy

the first time I saw BBM I cried most of the way through it - seeing myself on the screen (nowhere near as handsome as HL and JG but you know what I mean). I applaud this man for taking the risk and showing "mainstream" America that we are out there. I can't watch any of the tribute vids on youtube without crying - not good since I am at work right now. I am saddened by the loss of another "hero" but thankful for his gifts to me and my community.

RIP Heath, you will be missed:cry:

[TechBear_Seattle]

10. Happy to give recommendation #5

A fitting eulogy. Thank you.

[BleedingHeartPatriot]

11. A beautiful tribute to the artist and the film. My daughter and I saw it together and

cried our eyes out at the end.

I think in a few years time, people are going to look back and be amazed that this movie did not win best picture nor Ledger best actor in the way that people are surprised that Forrest Gump beat out Shawshank Redemption and Tom Hanks beat out Morgan Freeman from those two films.

The entire world is diminished by the loss of this artist. Your post resonated so much for me, that movie was haunting before, now it's heartbreaking. :cry:

MKJ

[saltpoint]

12. cboy4, I think you have it exactly right on Ledger's decision to take the

role in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN.

I can't say what conversation there might have been between him and Ang Lee and James Schamus, Lee's producer, but it must have been an impressive one between those three people and whoever else were involved. If you get 3 very capable and gifted people together like that in good will, there's a good chance great things will ensue.

And BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN is a great thing.

I also love Larry McMurtry's praise for Ledger's taking the role.

Good post.

[midnight]

13. I only saw this actor in Knights Tale. I'm not sure the real

reason,for his young death, will be told, but it really is not our business. It was his. Probably more important than anything else, are those who appriciated his work and speak supportively of him.

[terrya]

14. This is a lovely tribute.

I think, as more and more gay people mourn his death, that these thoughts are universally shared. So many people were affected by the simple honesty and beauty of "Brokeback Mountain".

Goodbye, Heath.

And thank you for your post.

[dbackjon]

15. Thank you for that

Very beautiful, and captures my feelings as well

[mitchtv]

16. Somehow, I have nothing to add

Like yourself, I am deeply saddened.

[DeepModem Mom]

17. A lovely tribute. K&R

[Chovexani]

18. K&R.

For Heath. :cry:

(I feel exactly the same way.)

[Jella]

19. A fine tribute

to a talented man.

[ZombieHorde]

20. Awesome post.

Thank you.

[Jella]

21. I admit to blogging about

Heath Ledgers death, and it's been just sick some of the crud I've read. I mean you have the standard cliches of "He's in a better place now", and "It's Gods Plan" (frankly I find these insulting as hell) and I can deal with those, I mean you expect those, but some vile shite has been said about him, and naturally his gay role impassioned much of it.

I mean really, are straight guys that zealous about him portraying that role.