6 years ago today...

[anniebc]

..On the 5th of April 2002 my beautiful Border Collie girl Annie was born, that's her on the left with our handsome boy Rocky.

It is also the day I woke up in Hospital with my Doc standing over me saying "I'm sorry Jan but the results have come back positive"

It has been an amazing 6 years, the first year, well, not so good, I had to retire early from a job I loved because of ill health..but every year after that it just got better and better.

2003 I joined the forums and came a across a wonderful support group, I have been to places I never thought I would visit, this year marks my 4th AMG, I have met some incredible people along the way and have made many friends through the PM's, e-mails and phone calls, was matron of honor at Ric and Thoms wedding in Montreal (a day I will never forget)...met the most wonderful man in Toronto..it was love at first sight, although he would never admit it for fear his partner (who by the way is a very handsome man) would find out..

In 2005 I moved to NZ, bought a hobby farm, something I had always wanted to do, joined the board of 'Positive Women", was given the chance to represent a young nurse during an unlawful disclosure/discrimination case, with great results, will be attending my first IAC this year, and was proud to be apart of a nation wide De-stigmatisation Campaign.

This year I have 6 speaking engagements to attend, I have been invited to be quest speaker at the 'International Nurses Day" here in Dunedin, I have also been asked to speak at the Candlelight Memorial on the 18th of May...and the list goes on.

Along with all this my babies and my grandchildren keep me busy...and I'm loving every moment of it..

Sorry for such a long post but I just wanted you all to know..if you want something bad enough and are willing to committ to yourself to what you believe in..it can be done, it's not always easy, believe me there are days when I just want to stay in bed..but the rewards are worth it.

love and hugs to you all
Jan






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[Jeff G]

  Thanks  for sharing that Jan.... I can use a inspiring story today.

[thunter34]

I'd like to echo jg in saying this is just what I needed to read today, Dame Jan.  And further, I consider it an absolute honor to know you and have been able to meet you face to face.

I think I can confidently speak for the body of this site in saying that we simply can't imagine what these forums would be like without you here.

You, Dame Jan, are a diamond.

[sharkdiver]

Thank you for sharing Jan.

All of your babies are very lucky to have such a wonderful mama!

You shertainly are shpeshial 
wuv,
Shawwky

[mjmel]

That was a splendid read.
shine on, lady.
and kiss that girl Annie for me.

Mike

[Robert]

I first met ANNIEBC back in early 2004 when I joined AIDMEDs.  I was real curious who he/she was because we always seemed to be following each other in other people's threads. I was intrigued because her icon was a picture of a dog and being a lover of dogs I knew this was someone who just had to be nice.  One day she sent me a PM to tell me her real name was Jan and ANNIEBC was the border collie in her picture. 

Jan, you've been a true friend ever since and we here at AIDSMEDS are truly honored to have you among our midst.  You do so much for others, here and at home, and we thank you for it.

robert

[minismom]

Jan, your post was exactly what i needed to read.  Your courage, your determination, and your beautiful spirit have mentored me through some trying times.  You are very precious to me.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Mum

[BT65]

Beautiful story, Dame Jan, just like the author.  You are truly an inspiration to me as another HIV+ woman.  Thank you for being part of our lives.

[Andy Velez]

Long may you wave, Jan!

Big cheers and hugs,

[Dachshund]

True grit in it's purest form.

Love,
Hal

[MOONLIGHT1114]

Jan~

I wanted to thank you for all that you do.  You are an amazing person.

From one dog lover to another!

~ Cindy (and Cheech  )

[anniebc]

Thank you so much for your kinds words..but the truth is my inspiration came for so many of you guys here..all the LTS who taught me so much and who have been through so much more than I have, to all those who have fought their addictions and came here to tell their stories and have given their time to help and support those who are still struggling.

You are my inspitaion, you are the ones who helped me, you have all played a part in keeping my head above water and there isn't a day goes by that I don't thank you for it.

Love and hugs to you all
Jan

[scud44]

Your posts are always written with a smile and it shows - you are a wonderful lady - and you always bring a smile into our day

XXXXXX
Scuddles
(Still in Melbourne)

[RAB]

Jan:

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of you.  I remember your earliest posts in these forums, almost verbatim.

I've watched and learned from you, even though our length of diagnosis is decades apart.

You aren't just a friend to me, you are also a role model.

I'm lousy at expressing my inner most feelings, especially in such a public forum.

So I'll just leave it at this:

You lady, had me at hello.

I love you, wish you the best, and will for the rest of my life cherish the friendship you have so generously given to me.

RAB

[Cliff]

if you want something bad enough and are willing to committ to yourself to what you believe in..it can be done, it's not always easy, believe me there are days when I just want to stay in bed..but the rewards are worth it.

Indeed.

Thank you for sharing and keeping us (well me in particular), grounded.

Love you!

Cliff

[penguin]

amazing a lpaca lady, you are    - kate