Most importantly, I have learned to accept the fact that many people are not willing to make the effort to care for their communities and those who are most in need. This pandemic has highlighted socioeconomic inequalities and racial bias that has long plagued our country. The response has been very disheartening and the number of people unwilling to understand basic science has been disappointing. I am making sure that I do my part in protecting others and being there for those who need me. We are responsible for one another. it is an important part of being human, compassionate and leaving a viable legacy for those who follow.

Tomorrow (1/3/22) is my 38th year of having HIV (documented). I'm thrilled to still be here alive and relatively well in so many many many ways.

Wash hands often and it’s lovely to reclaim personal space bubbles

One other thing…during the millennium so many countries did amazing things to celebrate the turn of the century and the millennium. I rememeber the huge celebrations that happened all over the world and how the US was panicked and we hid because of Y2K. I compared the pandemic to Y2K, was I going to be one of those that just hid and staid scared inside? No I refused to do the same thing. I’m proud to have been the first school in our district to receive kids on our campus, to support our families with food, computers and hotspots and I’m proud of all the amazing sights I’ve seen locally. Yes the pandemic is scary and yes it showed us many disparities and very ugly things but it has also showed us resilience, beauty, and kindness. I hope that when all is said and done my memories will not be like those of the Y2K scare but rather stories of all the things I did during this time.

Prayers sent hope you get through Covid safe and quickly Maria. You are truly one of my favorites here I love how don't let the diagnosis become how you are. Stay you away have a good day and rest up sis.