25 - Ted McNabb Priest, singer-songwriter, you said ‘Take it’ and I was clueless. You made me feel sexy in a somehow virginal way. Thanks for music, confidence, kindness.

24 - John L. My first openly gay friend, where you are now? The best accompanist I ever had. You abandoned me for a one-nighter. It’s okay, I understood.

23 - Steve D. You meant well, but didn’t get it, not ever. I hope you’re happy now, I learned a lot. Not even you could crush me forever.

22 - Theresa NMN Palmer Doland When I left, I said Remember me. Sometimes I worry it’s my fault you’re fucked up. We have nothing in common but blood. I’m sorry.

21 - Jerry Jenkins Took my poetry seriously, helped get my first poem published. Spoke Klingon, a Marine in 'Nam, sent home body bags. Amazing guy. Where are you?

20 - Mr. Raines High School drama club = safe haven. Where have all the flowers gone? You gave me confidence, music, sewing, writing, double thespian points, first Episcopal service.

19 - Van Cliburn I wanted to marry you, have kids, play duets. Turns out you’re gay (your mother was cool) . I wore your recordings out, trying to escape.

18 - Rhonda B. Rock solid righteous in the best way. Closest person in awhile to stir my faith. Maybe we could really be friends, blow this way, ruah.

17 - Tom A wrapped tight sproing of high energy and sincerity. Even when something is bugging you, you don’t flag. I admire you more than you know.

16 - That guy at Massanutten 30 years ago In the linen closet upstairs at the hotel- music camp, I was drunk, you were there. The age of Penthouse letters and zipless fucks- mmmm.

15 - JW Weird, totally full of shit and shinola. Occasionally you come up with an amazing poem like none I’ve ever read. Mostly I wish you’d revise.

14 - Mr. Guidry I had such a crush on you, Russian & science teacher. Trusted me with the Wollensack, making 400 enchiladas, costumes, International Night. Gave me A’s anyway.

13 - Momma Born on August 13th, died too young, I talk to you everyday. More than I ever did when you were alive. Wish you were here.

12 - Uncle Howard Gentle and smart, you loved Aunt Wynter so much. And me. Character. Shirts done at a laundry, you smelled great. You’ve been gone so long.

11 - Onnie Mike Hartsell You said Blow your own horn, no one else will. It took so long to figure out how to do that. You believed in me.

10 - Joy Edgerton Sobering up in Alamogordo on the way to NYC, what were we thinking? That was a crazy time, I was eighteen. Life 101- A minus

9 - Charlie Palmer I hope you’re suffering in hell, though I don’t really believe in that. The people you destroyed, the talent you wasted! Thanks for imagination, curiousity.

8- Miss Littlepage Memory is wildly inflated, but I credit you with my love of poetry and writing. I thought you were gay. I think I loved you.

7 - DB Somebody new always fills my empty places. Mr. Mystery, it’s good to be around you. (Don’t get weird). I’m still trying to figure you out.

6 - DZ Thanks for helping unveil Shann Palmer. She’s everything I wanted to be and thought I couldn’t. Twenty years? Nothing. Dancing? Everything! Peace, Blue Jean Buddha.

5 - DA You’re the only person I feel a real kinship with, like we’ve been friends forever. I don’t know why you care about me. Thank you

4 - AW You made me believe in myself, that together we could do anything. I will always love you and be grateful. You taught me to hope.

3 - Paul You surprise me everyday with how smart you are, I wish I knew how to motivate you. I know someday you’ll find your special purpose.

2 - David R. You’re a rock. Sometimes that’s bad, sometimes good. I really didn’t marry you for dental insurance, but I’m not sure why I did. Are you?

1 - Alia You are my daughter, you amaze me. I don't know what my life would've been like without you. You are my greatest accomplishment. Seriously.