Dearest Friends,
It was during the very moment the airliners were crashing into the Twin Towers, five years ago today, during my annual physical with my primary care doctor that I was having a blood draw that led to my diagnosis of AIDS.
9/11 means something different to me than to most other people. It was that day that my own tower came crashing down. I learned of my positive status before the dust had settled in NYC. Because of my loving spouse, Thom, my ground zero has been rebuilt. My tower is back. Standing taller, prouder than ever.
I am thankful for many things. My greatly improved heath. The love of a man who has stood by my side every step of this journey. The large number of friends I have made here on AIDSmed.com and the support I have received from your unending love.
May the powers that be keep all of you well. Together we will live to see an end to this horrid disease. We will dance together as the world's largest family. And as we say here in Wisconsin, "We will party 'til the cows come home."
With deepest respect and love to you all, Ric.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me . . .