A time remembered...

I post something personal, short, saddening, but hopeful. Yesterday was National HIV Testing Day, and it brought back memories of a time when my everyday reality growing up was news of dead family members from the infection. So much sorrow. These were desperate times when family members would resort to spending colossal amounts of money on obtaining drugs through less legitimate channels. We gambled on life not knowing whether these bought drugs were safe and effective. But what choice did we have?! Memories from growing up in the 1980s are marred by some very dark times indeed! Even as a little one, I felt the fear and stigma. Remembering these times, I am so very thankful for researchers, for clinicians, for community organizers and change makers, for all who made and make it their mission to find cures, to address mental health, and work to change the culture around perceptions and behaviors. Most importantly, I am grateful for all who brought and bring a humanistic perspective in all that they do! We have a future to protect, and I feel it will be a bright one for we "stand on the shoulders of giants" indeed! I end with words of wisdom from our beloved Maya Angelou: " History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived but if faced with courage, need not be lived again."

Happy Friday, All and have a great weekend!

#NationalHIVTesting Day #HIVPrevention #ProtectingFutures