Surviving and Thriving

Battling and coping with an infectious virus was in my playbook long before the Covid-19 pandemic. I have been HIV positive for more than three decades, and I received an AIDS diagnosis in 2004 when I hovered between life and death for a few weeks. When I emerged from that state, the elderly woman in the bed next to me said, “You survived, and now it’s time to find out why.” Reflecting on that time, I can identify many reasons. There were the new meds that helped control the virus from becoming a death sentence. I was also determined to see my young son grow into adulthood. As a single mother, this was a powerful motivator. His father had died of AIDS complications when he was a toddler. New priorities emerged from old passions. After I returned to my office day job, I slowly made room for creative pursuits, beginning with music and writing. I believe it was another “why” of my survival.

“You survived, and now it’s time to find out why.”

First came the vocal lessons that evolved to singing with a jazz trio. Eventually, I dusted off my short stories and joined a writer’s group. That led to being published. Later—and for the first time in my life—I joined a gym and followed a regimen set by a dietician. I wanted to feel and look strong, especially when I decided to pursue a higher paying job. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle was critical for this next moment of life. It was essential to not allow an AIDS and HIV diagnosis to define me, nor be subjected to prejudice or stigma. Nothing should get in the way of recovery or hopes or dreams or resilience. Some say I am living proof there is life after an AIDS diagnosis, but I know it was the people and community I pursued that helped me not only survive, but thrive.