So I thought a logical next post would be to share bits and pieces of the responses I’ve received from the letter I sent out on World AIDS Day. The responses I have receieved have been amazing and confirm to me that I made the right choice for me. I am so blessed to have such an amazing group of family, friends and colleagues. I’ve included some of the more moving and humorous replies below. To all the people who have replied I thank you once again.
Each new line is a quote, I have removed names and done slight editing:
-- I remember the day that you told me about this. It was something that a friend never wants to hear. It's a scary thing for everyone. I applaud your bravery and your willingness to face it head on. It sounds though you have accepted your diagnosis and that you know that it doesn't define you. That's the key. You are okay. You will be okay. You will do good things. That defines you.
-- i'm at work and you made me cry!
-- I wanted to let you know this is an extremely moving letter. It's amazing the courage you have to do this, emotionally and physically.
-- I cannot imagine the courage that it took to send this out and I thank you for the trust that you have placed in me and … by including us in your support group. I also give thanks for those who have been walking with you since March. Please know that you are in my prayers.
-- RaRa Dan!!!
-- It means a lot, for you to reveal a major part of your life, to me. You are my friend and always in my thoughts.
-- In my mind, nothing will change between us as you requested. I will continue to pray for you, especially when you talk to your parents. You are a great guy and I am glad that you are in my life.
-- Thanks for including me as a friend on your journey. You have definitely changed my life, and my views.
-- I will hope and pray for your continued good health; for the cure to, and eradication of, this virus; and for increasingly better and cheaper drugs in the meantime. I know that you will be well.
-- If my tear ducts worked, I swear I would cry.
-- I am very proud of you young man. You are handling this challenge with courage and grace.
-- I am glad you are taking a positive light on your status, and congratulations on coming out once again if in a new and different kind of way.
-- You better know, that you always have someone to talk to, someone to hug you, someone with a shoulder to cry on, with me. I am here for you. The first thing you need to do, is what you are doing, taking care of YOU!!! Not only do you need to take the medicine needed, but you need to only be with positive people, ones that make you laugh, ones that embrace the whole you. Don't let the negative people in your space. Being healthy, means whole health, body, mind and spirit.
-- I appreciate your honesty and intergity in sharing news that is both deeply personal and, for some, controversial. I pray that the vast majority of responses have been gracious and supportive. Dan, all of us are broken and in constant need of God's grace and love. To pretend otherwise is hypocritical, at best. Your decision to be open about who you are and what you are now dealing with is not only the way to fully experiencing God's grace but also the way of being a channel of that grace to others.
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