Who am I?
My name is Jae, I am 39 years old and have been HIV+ for 18 years. I am a wife, mother to 3 boys, an employee, and full-time student. I live in Southern California, USA. I work in the medical field, the city I work in I come in contact with men that are HIV+. I just don’t have anything in common with them. First of all they are men. Second, most of them are gay. I am neither. I have a family and have been married for 21 years. My husband is in law enforcement and I was a stay at home mother for many years. He is a bit of a private person and has suppressed my participation in activism. So reluctantly I have agreed to forgo being a face to the masses to sitting back and Blogging about my own experiences.
Why do I want to be a part of A Girl Like Me: I have been so alone when it came to women’s issues and HIV. I have always wanted to be a voice of women that are HIV+. Then I realized I don’t know any other women with HIV. When I got pregnant with my youngest, I was the first HIV+ patient to deliver a baby at that hospital. I still had nobody to talk to. I wish there was a website that I could have turned to when I had questions. Just to know that I wasn’t alone would have been nice.
More about me…I am a very outgoing person. If there is a challenge on the table, I am usually the one to accept. I am the first to accept an invitation to go to a Karaoke bar, and sing (no alcohol needed), although the singing would sound better to you if you were drinking. I am generally a happy person. I have a big heart and want to help everyone. This is my opportunity to help others like me. Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I hope my story might help someone create a positive one of their own.
Hi Jae, I do not know what to say, whether you are super woman or what? I am strugling to keep up with my job, the virus, studies and being a mom and a wife. You trully inspired me with your introduction. At times I feel selfish for enrolling for a B-degree course while I am so challenged. Please tell me what you use to boost your energy for all that. I get so tired at times I feel like quiting the studies, but unfortunately I am not a quiter. I just need a proper booster. By the way, I am Esther, 39yrs mom of 2 girls 14 and 8yrs. A registered nurse, divorced, now traditionally incobabitated, sweet loving husband who makes me and my kids happy. Persuing a B-degree in Nursing Science mayoring in Nursing education 1st year. Supervising nurses at clinics in my district. I travel a lot since these clinics are far apart.
I am happy to have found friends who will never judge me, but suport me and even correct me through their sharing of experience. You already have inspired me that it can be done, with or without HIV. Thank you and may our Father keep us all going throughout many years of love and joy till the end., which should still be far by God's grace.