Sonya posted a new blog “It is My Business” on A Girl Like Me's "Voices from our Allies" page:
Did you ever stop to think that just maybe, your actions are affecting me? I know you say all the time “what I do is my business, I’m not hurting anyone”, but the fact of the matter is that yes, you are hurting me! I sit and watch you day in/day out, and listen to your plight. You tell me how fatigue you are, how you are discharging, and don’t have any appetite, but in the same breathe you are also saying “it’s nobody business that you are infected with AIDS”…REALLY!
Here is a REALITY check my friend…You matter to me, and you matter to the world. I know you are scared right now, and feel all alone, but I’m here! I just want you to understand that you are not alone because every 9 ½ minutes someone in the United States is infected with HIV. There are organizations, and social media chats that are designed to inform, educate, and support you in all of your concerns dealing with HIV/AIDS. Please give them a try, because you don’t have to do this alone! I’m willing to go with you to your doctor appointments, and assist you when you need to be reminded that it’s medication time.
The bottom line is this…until you realize that HIV/AIDS is running rampant in our communities because no one wants to talk about it like you. We will never get a hold on this epidemic because no one wants to get tested, get care, talk about it out in the open, or take their medication on time and consistently. It takes a village to raise a child, and I believe it takes a village to help people who are living with the disease to help erase the stigma.
So the next time you want to lay down unprotected and get involved with someone …knowingly that you are positive. I need you to remember it is my business. When you decide to get high, and drink refusing to take your meds…it is my business. While sitting in your funk and falling into the black hole of depression it is my business. Feeling all alone, almost wanting to take your life it is my business.
You are my business for a number of reasons, and the number 1 reason is because “I LOVE YOU”.
Robin - You are so welcome, and yes many are going through their own hell, but the people who love them are going through hell right along side of them. Yes, it might be very different, but when you love someone and care for them...whether we are family or not...It is our business, because LOVE IS LOVE NO MATTER WHAT! xoxoxo
loving life101 - Thank You for taking the time to read the blog, and most importantly "THANK YOU" for understanding our lives are intertwined on one cloth! All My Love :)
lynn2011, please let me apologize to you, because "YELLING" is something I just don't do. Just the fact that this is your perception makes me want to say to you again, I apologize if this is how you felt the blog's tone was. It was not my intention. On the other hand lynn2011, I am very passionate about HIV/AIDS Awareness, and I do get frustrated when some people refuse to be tested, gain knowledge about the virus/disease, and just takes the attitude like it's no big deal. It is a HUGE DEAL, let's just ask the millions of people who are NO longer here with us due to this epidemic. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to read the blog, and I assure you, I will keep an eye on my "TONE". :)
It is our business because we are turning the tide together. Times come that we have to yell, Lynn, and times come when we hug and cry together. The important thing is that we care for one another. We love one another enough to go all lengths to touch people.
Elsie-I hear your feedback. I responded to Sonya in the moment....and that was how I felt in the moment. Sonya, Thanks for your feedback, and really, no need to apologize. You be you, and I'll be me. I love that you are here supporting us, and supporting family members and loved ones. Peace to all. Lynn
Wow!! Thank you for this! Powerful message!! What we do DOES have an effect and an impact on those around us, especially those who care about us!
Sonya, thanks for the wonderful message! We often do not realize how our choices and behaviors affect those around us and those we do not even know. We, as a society of humans, are all connected. Our lives our intertwined like the fabric of a cloth. Thanks for ALL you do.
Love you!
on the other hand, I feel like i'm being yelled at.