Yesterday, a friend of mine died.He was funny and talented and sang with a voice that made rooms full of people stop and listen and fall in love with the sound.
The last few years were rough for him. Contrary to what some people might say, living with HIV and taking the cocktail is not a cakewalk. The AIDS virus was at war inside of my friend. Kaposi's sarcoma rampaged his body, leaving his face completely unrecognizable to those who hadn't seen him in awhile. That included me.
But he was on the upswing and was joking and laughing the last time I saw him. About a month ago.
So guys, AIDS is not over. It's not yesterday's news. It's still important. It still kills.
Protect yourself. And remember to spend time with those that you love. And tell them that you love them. Hug them. Kiss them. None of us are promised tomorrow.
21 comments:
I'm so sorry about your loss, Stephen. I try to take your advice to heart and my loved ones and I say we love each other everytime we see each other or even talk on the phone. Because it has happened that the last thing I've ever said to a person is "I love you." And although it didn't take away the pain of losing them, it made me smile to know that I said it...
Oh God, sweetie. I''m so very sorry for your loss.
Love you.
Take care of yourself today.
-Alex
Very well said. I'm so sorry for your loss. I have lost so many friends, lovers and neighbors to HIV, AIDS back in the late 80', early 90's I lost count including my partner for almost 7 years, Stephen. It's been a while now since I lost anyone that close to me to AIDS. Those of us of my vintage lucky to have survived this scourge have now gotten older and are facing other health issues in our lives. However we should never forget that this killer still walks among us. Thanks so much for this post. We never dare forget...
I am deeply deeply sorry to hear of your loss Stephen. Every minute of every life is precious on this planet and we should all spend more time looking after each other and loving each other. And you're right HIV and aids should never be downgraded in how much of a killer it can be and of how much pain and suffering it can bring to people. As you say its still here and its still taking peoples lives from them. I hope anyone who suffers from this condition gets all the love in the world while they are trying to survive it. My thoughts are with you buddy and I hope you friend will be in a more peaceful place now. Warm Hugs and kisses from me.
I'm sorry to hear about your friend, Stephen. It makes me sick to think of all the money we have wasted on a pointless war when we could have instead funneled some of that into research and care for people who have contracted the disease.
Big hugs to you, Stephen.
Oh sweetheart, I am so sorry to hear about this.
Sending you massive hugs.
It is easy for folks to forget. Too easy for the under 30's.
I'm sure you will remember your friend well and keep him alive in your heart.
I too am so sorry for your loss. Take care Hon...
God, I'm so sorry to hear this. So sad - but thank you for this post - it's important for people to know that people are still dying from this. My deepest condolences to you.
Words cannot express how sorry I am. :'(
Much love to you and his friends & fam. :-)
love from me and eric.
I'm sorry, honey.
P.
Ah Stephen, I'm so sorry. Love you.
K
Just thinking about you, sugar. You know where to call if you need anything.
hi stephen,
just quickly checking emails and stuff. sorry to hear about your friend passing. sometimes i think it's easy for people to forget that it's still with us, due to better treatments, better survival rates etc.
thank you for sharing this with us. xo
(((HUGS)))
I'm sorry hon.
I'm very sorry to hear that news. Your last paragraph is exactly right!
It is hard to loose those we love. Best wishes to you, and to your friends family. You are in my thoughts.
Stephen, my heart goes out to you withthe loss of your friend. This is sad, and I hope that someone reading your blog about it takes heed of your message.
So sad to hear about this loss. Prayer's for you and his family.
My thoughts are with you his family and I'm so sorry for your loss :(
xox
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