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Author Topic: My First Time  (Read 5890 times)

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Offline Life

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  • Posts: 2,389
  • Member 2005
My First Time
« on: September 13, 2006, 10:15:23 pm »
September 10th 2006  5:30am

I awoke to William with his arm over my face..  I looked out the window, the clouds had mostly cleared off, just the early morning fog of Denver retreating.   This was the day that I told myself, I cannot miss.   Year after year, I watched these walks come and go.  I always tried to donate to whomever I knew walking, but this was my time.  This was Eric’s walk with others like me.   "Surreal" would be an understatement.   We walked out of our home onto the wet grass of Cheesman.   We could see just a few people from our side of the park.  I was wondering if we and a few others would be the only ones there?  We brought Johnny (our pooch) as well as our AMG shirts to keep us warm.  As we approached the peak of the park, we began hearing the crowds, the roar of cheers and the sight of 1000’s of people before us.   Seeing this, being a part of this, will ever be with me.  Knowing full well, that there is love out there.  Those who are HIV, those who are living with AIDS and those who just plain old care and GIVE A DAM! 

God what a day!

 


[attachment deleted by admin]
« Last Edit: September 13, 2006, 11:04:55 pm by Eric »

Offline poobear

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  • Posts: 112
Re: My First Time
« Reply #1 on: September 13, 2006, 10:21:16 pm »
Eric,
    Sounds like you had a beautiful day.  I am so glad you got to experience such a great thing, and if you think about it, all those people were there for you.  Thats why it was Eric's Day. 
                                                          Great Big Hug To Eric from Rachel  ;D

Offline Eldon

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Re: My First Time
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2006, 10:24:05 pm »
Hello Eric, it is Eldon.

It is good to hear that you had an awesome experience at the AIDS Walk in Denver. It just goes to show you that we are NOT alone. There are literally thousands of men and women who have HIV/AIDS.

Actually, there are walks going on around the country. Yes, there are people who give a damn!


Have the BEST Day!

Offline Teresa

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  • Posts: 1,755
Re: My First Time
« Reply #3 on: September 13, 2006, 11:29:36 pm »
Eric,

So glad you had a great experience.

That pic of the quilt brings back memories. A big section of the Aids Memorial Quilt came to my city about 10 or so yrs ago. I took my kids and my ex to see it. I didn't know anyone that had HIV or Aids at the time but i thought it was important enough to make them go. Reading those panels was really something...so sad and touching. I bought a Aids quilt magnet and it had been on my fridge all these years. I never thought much about it till after hubby was diagnosed and i was cleaning my fridge. I picked up that magnet..looked at it in my hand.....and I'm just glad i was home alone because I lost it big time. I never thought HIV/Aids would ever touch my life.It not only touched me it bitch slapped me..

The magnet is still on my fridge and they do our Aids walk in April and I will be there walking!

BIG HUGS
Teresa
Hubby HIV+ 5/5/06
CD4:320
  %: 26.7
 VL: <20
Atripla (started it 8/24/06)

Offline LatinAlexander

  • Member
  • Posts: 599
  • Bogota, Colombia
Re: My First Time
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2006, 01:02:47 am »
FUCKING HELL, I AM SO HAPPY YOU HAVE RETURNED!!!!...I MISSED YOU!!!!

Alex
Poz since Jul 19 2006
Initial numbers : CD4-250 VL 3500
First labs after HAART (Dec 04-2006) : CD4-432 VL-<40 (Undetectable)  cd4%=25.11%
Started HAART: Combivir+Efavirenz Aug 26 7:38 pm
Feb 08 2007 - Gradually stopping HAART cause of Myalgia. Protecting Efavirenz. Stopped Efavirenz, ahead with Combivir....
February 17 Combivir stopped.
April 3 -07 : Started ddi+3tc+efavirenz...
Gay and positive (What a lack of Identity...:) )
Looking for my Ben....

Offline bear60

  • Member
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Re: My First Time
« Reply #5 on: September 14, 2006, 07:37:23 am »
thanks for posting your thoughts on the Aids Walk.  It will most likely inspire others to participate.
Poz Bear Type in Philadelphia

Offline franfrog

  • Member
  • Posts: 238
Re: My First Time
« Reply #6 on: September 14, 2006, 07:39:08 am »
Eric, Glad to see you enjoyes yourself.  I hope you inspire other people to do it also.  Glad your back!
7/05 diagnosis cd4- 52 vl -?
08/05 cd4-299 vl-1900
10/05 cd4-249 vl-349
12/05 cd4-349 vl-52
03/06 cd4-454 vl-<50
06/06 cd4-508 vl-<50

Offline J.R.E.

  • Member
  • Posts: 8,207
  • Positive since 1985, joined forums 12/03
Re: My First Time
« Reply #7 on: September 14, 2006, 08:13:35 am »
Hello Eric,

Throughout all these years that I have lived with this virus, I didn't  do the first walk until last year, and then of course, we did it again this past Saturday.We would have all kinds of fundraisers through the years, But nothing surpasses being out there with everyone. Thanks for sharing. I was wondering how yours and Williams day went. This is something that Ed and myself will always make time for every year !
And the thing is, I really didn't care if my legs were sore the next day !!



All the best------Ray
Current Meds ; Viramune / Epzicom Eliquis, Diltiazem. Pravastatin 80mg, Ezetimibe. UPDATED 2/18/24
 Tested positive in 1985,.. In October of 2003, My t-cell count was 16, Viral load was over 500,000, Percentage at that time was 5%. I started on  HAART on October 24th, 2003.

 As of Oct 2nd, 2023, Viral load Undetectable.
CD 4 @676 /  CD4 % @ 18 %
Lymphocytes,absolute-3815 (within range)


72 YEARS YOUNG

Offline ndrew

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  • Posts: 695
  • ....-.-.-.-.-.....
Re: My First Time
« Reply #8 on: September 14, 2006, 09:37:53 am »
Eric,

This is so peaceful.  I am so happy For your wonderful walk.  Walking is such a grand way to express solidarity.  To walk is to travel in a certain manner, to move from one location to another in a purposeful, yet non-aggressive way (unlike the military connotation of a march).  Walking is part of everyday activity and we live with HIV everyday.  Walking has been described as "controlled falling," we trust that as we go from two feet to one, and fall forward, the other foot will be there to catch our fall.  Walking together, we show that we are there for each other, to catch each other when we fall.  Whenever people gather in numbers like this, there is an intensity and release of energy.  You are a stone tossed in the pond and the ripples grow to waves...

With love and support,
Drew

Offline angels4kelly

  • Member
  • Posts: 305
  • IT JUST IS!!.....OKAY!
Re: My First Time
« Reply #9 on: September 14, 2006, 10:06:51 am »
Dear Eric,
I am very happy that your experience with your first AIDS walk was a great one. I know you were sorta nervous about it at first.

I am anxious to go to one myself! I'm ashamed to say that even after 16 years of  being poz, I still haven't made it to one.
Ray(J.R.E.) was nice enough to post a link to a site that gives the dates of all the AIDS walks, so now I won't keep on hearing about the one in my City AFTER the fact!!

I must admit that I am so happy you're back!. Even though it means you go back to your 80 hour work week.

Peace

Kelly

                                                 

                                                 
POSITIVE SINCE-10/1990
CD4-610
CD4%-29.3
VL-UNDETECTABLE
VIREAD,VIRACEPT, EPZICOM

MOST RECENT...
10/9/2006
CD4's-714
CD4%-30%
VL-Undetectable
DIAGNOSES POSITIVE 10/90
SAME MEDS, VIREAD, VIRAMUNE, EPZICOM.

SHOOT FOR THE MOON! YOU MAY MISS,
BUT YOU'LL LAND IN THE STARS :)

Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength;
mastering yourself is true power.
 
Failure is not in falling down,
but the staying down

Offline Life

  • Member
  • Posts: 2,389
  • Member 2005
Re: My First Time
« Reply #10 on: September 14, 2006, 10:27:26 am »
Still thinking about all those people!  And its nice to be back in the mountains, but its also sorta sad not being around in close proximity to others dealing with this.  Thats where AMG comes in and keeps me sane, safe and loved..

Kelly,  thank you for the bracelett,,  I wear it everywhere with pride for where we have been, and where we are going.

I missed EVERYONE here and I really thought about all the wonderful people I have met and have become frieneds with here..  I walked for you...  Dont miss these events as Drew so well described -  "Makes you feel a part of a bigger picture"

Peace
« Last Edit: September 14, 2006, 10:47:50 am by Eric »

Offline ACinKC

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Re: My First Time
« Reply #11 on: September 14, 2006, 11:20:07 am »
OMG I was inspired by you Eric.  So I went to the website of the one in my area and 1st Paragraph I read THIS!!!

Honorary Chair, Mayor Kay Barnes, led more than 3,000 walkers through the streets of Kansas City, reminding our community that HIV/AIDS infection is on the increase, the need for funds remains high, but there is hope that one day we will know a world with AIDS. Mayor Barnes has proven her steadfast commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS during her tenure in office.


Guess I should let them know!
LIFE is not a race to the grave with the intention of arriving safely
in a pretty and well-preserved body, but, rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming--WOW! WHAT A
RIDE!!!

Offline Life

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  • Member 2005
Re: My First Time
« Reply #12 on: September 14, 2006, 11:43:19 am »
Oopsie! ;)

Offline ImagineFL

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Re: My First Time
« Reply #13 on: September 14, 2006, 12:10:18 pm »
Thanks for the post Eric... you inspire me.

Love ya kiddo,
Patsy

Offline alive2

  • Member
  • Posts: 78
  • i guess im having a good day
Re: My First Time
« Reply #14 on: September 15, 2006, 02:28:36 pm »
eric,now you may understand why i make posts that are complimenting to you,your involved and want to make a difference,as usual your trudging along with the rest of us but still offer the help some need to do thing that are for the better.thanks for being there,i know it means much to those of us who cant because of either health problems,or just demagraphics.eric you the man,and make sure william knows i say hi too.take care my freind ;)

Offline cmhjeff

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  • Posts: 870
Re: My First Time
« Reply #15 on: September 15, 2006, 04:25:15 pm »
Eric, I can't tell you how many times I've looked at and listened to your post. I've meant to post a response sooner but was interupted over and over  again. I'm so happy for you that you were able to enjoy the walk with William and Johnny. Isn't it refreshing to see people of all races,sexes,ages,nationalities and sexual orientations coming together for the same cause. Tomorrow is my big day and I'll carry a part of you with me. :)

Have a fabulous weekend!
Jeff

Offline Life

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  • Posts: 2,389
  • Member 2005
Re: My First Time
« Reply #16 on: September 15, 2006, 04:47:06 pm »
Jeff have a great walk.... Its snowing here, hopefully, not there!

Love

Offline cmhjeff

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Re: My First Time
« Reply #17 on: September 15, 2006, 05:12:08 pm »
Snow :o :o

Thank god no snow here. They are calling for a cool morning but it should get near 80 by late afternoon.

Sending you a Big Warm Hug!

Jeff

Offline wellington

  • Member
  • Posts: 511
  • Don't sweat the little things.
Re: My First Time
« Reply #18 on: September 16, 2006, 01:46:55 pm »
Holy baited headlines Batman. Your first time ... walking. Sheesh! Sounds like almost as much fun as what I thought you'd be posting about.  :o

Snow? WTF. I'm the one in Canada, bub, and it's supposed to be up to 26 C this weekend. That's about 79 F for you folks down south. Almost hot enough to remove clothing.  :P

 


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