“Started in 1988, World AIDS Day is not just about raising money, but also about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education.
World AIDS Day is important in reminding people that HIV has not gone away, and that there are many things still to be done.” ~avert.org, 2006
Somewhere around 1990-1991, my Uncle Mike died of AIDS. I was roughly 8 at the time. My memories are few, and this was another skeleton in our family closet. Mostly, I have a distinct memory of lining up all of the stuffed animals he gave me (he always found the BEST ones) and crying in my room. I didn’t get to say goodbye, because the adults in my life didn’t want me to see him so sick. They may have been right, but I still felt sad that I never got to tell him I loved him one more time. My family was in turmoil and conflict over his death (and before). Because of a lot of reasons still unknown to me. Because he was gay. Because he died of AIDS.
But to me?
He was my kind Uncle. He had twinkling blue eyes, and a great laugh. He was gentle.
He was gone too soon.
We haven’t gotten a whole lot better with our judgments and stereotypes around AIDS.
We certainly haven’t found a cure.
What we seem to have found worldwide- is silence. So today, on World AIDS Day, I feel challenged – and I challenge you, to bring AIDS back into the public awareness.
Here are some links to get you started, learn and share.
And if you blog? Maybe blog about it, your words are powerful.
Whatever you choose to do today, don’t be silent.
***
Rest in Peace.
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