This photo was taken at
my Dad's favorite spot on
the Oregon Coast the day
of his funeral.
In 1985 when I finally came to grips with my diagnosis, I recall telling my family of my fears, hopes and dreams. I knew that even by the furthest stretch of my imagination, to live to be 35 years old, the age at which my Mom passed away, was wishful thinking at best. Sitting here at 42 creating this page in their honor is truly surreal beyond words. Despite my Grandma being uneducated about the disease and greeting me from 'down the street,' my family has always been very supportive of me and my disease. My family had often joked that I would out live them all. I never imagined that would prove to be a reality. It truly reminds me "no one is promised tomorrow!" For their love, guidance and strength, I am eternally grateful!
"There
is something about the proximity of death that
helps us discern the important things in life..."
My
journey with life and life with HIV, has
been nothing short of miraculous. This year
I turned 45, I celebrate my 25th year living
with HIV/AIDS and onetoughpirate.com turned 8. These last few years have proven
to be some of the healthiest, most productive
and rewarding years of that journey. I am
indeed blessed to be alive and am extremely
grateful for each new day that I awake to.
Throughout these years, I have had the privilege
and honor to speak to many thousands of
students and adults alike about real life
and living life with HIV, neither of which
are easy. Life is truly a gift and I hope
that be it through speaking or in my day
to day relationships that I've helped empower
others to live well and happy as you all
have helped me to!
