Living with HIV

A life in the day of an HIV infected individual cannot be easy, though not many people realize what it is like to be related, and be the support chain for that individual. Raising two small children, having a husband in the military and tending to the day to day lives in the household is a harsh reality. Yet when one is faced with a life changing illness, it throws your life into a spin which you can sometimes feel like you will never escape.

We found out shortly after this close relative moved in that he was HIV positive. It was a shock to behold, for we have two young boys in the household who do not understand things like that. Death is something we rarely spoke about, and now we were faced with the dilemma of explaining that certain things couldn't be done. How do you explain to a three year old that he cannot use a toothbrush? You can't, therefore you must take certain precautions to keep from another tragedy forming.

We explain that certain germs, and illnesses such as the cold can be transferred through body fluids, so the boys now have a slight grasp on the reality of the nature, but they do not know the extent of the illness out wonderful relative has. One way we have come to look at this, is that every day is a blessing, not a curse waiting for the inevitable. One does not wake up in life and say I think I am HIV positive. It is a terrifying ordeal to take on.

We have gotten used to putting things away so that the children cannot access them. As well we make an adventure out of every day, every action. Though it is not easy. Each illness such as a common cold, or even a cough must be guarded and watched very closely to be certain that it is not something growing further. There are good days, and then there are bad days. Though even through the bad days we find a way to surge onward and be thankful for having one another even for the time we do.

Perhaps it is because I lost my sister to cancer that I realize that death does not discriminate in any way, shape, or form. Though also, one must keep in mind. HIV is no longer a death sentence.. It is a life sentence, a reason to live life the way you wish, to take not one breath for granted, because we travel through this life unknowing what could happen the very next minute. Each breath we take is a gamble that our lungs will continue to expand and accept the oxygen we breath in.

What I wish you to know, is that people who have been diagnosed with these illnesses, a plague of sorts, are still people. They still need love, emotion, and support. Some have made choices leading to the diagnosis. Others, attained the virus or illness through other means. People should not be treated as an illness, if you know someone who is ill, someone who is hurting, or even looks down. Offer them a smile, a handshake, or even a hug. Just let them know that someone cares for them.

Just being there for a person can sometimes be the best and greatest blessing you can provide.