If I were asked to give what I consider the single most useful bit of advise for all humanity it would be this: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life and when it comes, hold your head high, look at it squarely in the eye and say, “I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.” –Ann Landers.
Last year I met Alice through a long term friend of mine. Afterwards she kept calling and coming to our office because she really wanted to talk to me. I thought that because she was saved and so much into the church she wanted to preach ‘the word’ to me and probably tell me I can get healing if only I got saved and stuff like that. I have met a lot of people who tell me stuff like that or maybe offer herbal medicines that could cure my ‘disease.’ I politely say thank you and smile at their offers of help but believe me most of the time I am seething inside.
I try to avoid such talk as much as I can so for about two months I avoided Alice as much as I could. She was persistent though, so much till I gave in. So we met at my house on 24th of Dec last year. I couldn’t get myself busy so I don’t meet her; we had closed office for the holidays. After talking to her though I felt stupid and wished I had agreed to meet her sooner.
Alice and her fiancé were planning to get married and were about to formalize their engagement. He proposed at the beginning of the year and she had a beautiful ring on her finger. He was getting ready to go and ‘rashia’ (pay dowry) to Alice’s parents but they though it best to go to the VCT for a HIV test.
Antony tested positive for HIV and Alice negative. They weren’t intimate yet even after dating for three years; she wanted to wait till they were married (Alice is a much respected member of her church).
My first reaction to all this was shock. I expected a lecture from the scriptures. Well we talked a lot and have been friend ever since. The guy was devastated at the time and I tried to reassure her that that was normal. I told her about the youth group we intended to start for HIV + youth and asked her to tell him to come. It would help to talk about it I thought.
Three months down the line, Antony who was in his internship year at medical school had been in and out of hospital a number of times because of depression. Alice begged him to come and meet me or any person living with HIV so that he could draw strength from our positive lives and get out of his darkness but he couldn’t hear of it. He started drinking too much. I couldn’t take what this was doing to Alice anymore, it’s like she was HIV+ herself.
I know its hard(been there) at first to learn you are HIV+ but I believe it requires inner strength to get out of the dark hole this news drops you into. The longer you grieve the more you affect those around you. No one wants to be around negative people so you will definitely lose friends, your job and even family not even because they know your HIV+ status.
Alice was in my office yesterday and after our usual chat about everything she goes like,
“By the way my ex passed away.”
“What ex? When?” I ask. I had no idea they had broken up.
“He died on Friday and I think he committed suicide.” She explains.
“I am so sorry.” I say because I wouldn’t even begin to understand what she was going through. We talk for awhile and then I she left.
I am sad for Alice- this is something she wont forget in a while, I am sad for Antony’s family but a large part of me is sad at what Antony may have let himself go through before he decided to end his life. Testing HIV+ is hard. Its probably the hardest thing that ever happened to my life so far, the first few days are confusing and full of pain but as Stephen King once said,
“Time takes it all. Whether you want it or not, time takes it all away, times bares it away; and in the end there is only and in the end there is only darkness. Sometimes we find others in that darkness and sometimes we leave them there again.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
GO LIGHT YOUR WORLD
Last Sunday; 18th May 2008 the HIV world celebrated ‘candle light memorial’.
This is an international event marked every 3rd Sunday of May to remember those of us who have died due to complications of AIDS.
This was my first candle light celebration and, I was in charge of preparing for the event that my organization wanted to take place in Muranga.
So without putting much thought to the fact that I probably lacked experience for this sort of thing, I accepted the challenge sourcing as much information as possible to ensure I didn’t disappoint my boss.
We planed to have a memorial service at a church in Muranga;allow me to digress.
Muranga is home to our children’s home. This foster care is home to children orphaned by AIDS, majority of whom are HIV positive themselves.
I thought it best to have the memorial service there so they will all be able to attend.
Back to Sunday, all of us were up early and we managed to get to Muranga a couple of minutes before ‘our mass’. I was busy taking videos and pictures for the office is sort of went about the mass like an outsider.Besides the service was in Kikuyu and …well I didn’t understand a thing. Right after the service though, when we took over the event, something changed.
We had poems and testimonies from the children and halfway through it I was teary. As those kids narrated their poems I couldn’t help wondering if that would be my son some day.
What I hate most about my HIV status is the fact that if I die, my kid remains an orphan…not a normal orphan but joins the statistics of those kids orphaned by AIDS. I couldn’t stop the tears and as I looked around, most of us were crying too.
Watching the kids was heartbreaking. I just couldn’t stop thinking about my son.I don’t want him crying like this someday…not if I can help it.
I know God is the giver of life and I know I will die someday but if I can help it I will try as much as possible to ensure that my son has the happiest memories of me; even with this virus in my body. I will do as the doctor says; I will light the candle within me and spread its light to as many as I can reach. I will live a very positive life.
We lit candles in memory of those who had left us and wrote our messages on a piece of white cloth.Some wrote messages to their parents, others to their siblings, others yet to their friends. The content of the messages were varied; but one thing was common. We all miss them.
This years message was Never give up, never forget.
This is a two pronged message asking us not to forget those who have gone ahead of us, not to forget all the things we have learnt from HIV&AIDS in our lives, not to forget to protect ourselves from getting the virus and not to give up in the response on the fight against HIV&AIDS.
For me this message is all wrapped up in a song by Chris rice that we all sang as we lit and held high our candles.
GO LIGHT YOUR WORLD-Chris Rice
There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning,some dark and cold
There is a spirit who brings a fire
Ignites a candle, and makes his home
Carry your candleRun to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
And hold out your candleFor all to see it
Take your candle and go light your world
Take your candle and go light your world
Frustrated brother,
see how he's tried toLight his own candle some other way
See now your sister she's been robbedand lied to
Still holds a candle, without a flame
Carry your candleRun to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
hold out your candleFor all to see it
Take your candle and go light your world
Take your candle and go light your world
we are a familyWhose hearts are blazing
So lets raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times
Carry your candleRun to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, deceived and worn
Hold out your candleFor all to see it
Take your candle and go light your world
Take your candle and go light your world
You may have not been with us on that day but you can go light your world with the resources you have. Remember we cannot be able to everything but can take pleasure in the little that we do with all our heart and love.
This is an international event marked every 3rd Sunday of May to remember those of us who have died due to complications of AIDS.
This was my first candle light celebration and, I was in charge of preparing for the event that my organization wanted to take place in Muranga.
So without putting much thought to the fact that I probably lacked experience for this sort of thing, I accepted the challenge sourcing as much information as possible to ensure I didn’t disappoint my boss.
We planed to have a memorial service at a church in Muranga;allow me to digress.
Muranga is home to our children’s home. This foster care is home to children orphaned by AIDS, majority of whom are HIV positive themselves.
I thought it best to have the memorial service there so they will all be able to attend.
Back to Sunday, all of us were up early and we managed to get to Muranga a couple of minutes before ‘our mass’. I was busy taking videos and pictures for the office is sort of went about the mass like an outsider.Besides the service was in Kikuyu and …well I didn’t understand a thing. Right after the service though, when we took over the event, something changed.
We had poems and testimonies from the children and halfway through it I was teary. As those kids narrated their poems I couldn’t help wondering if that would be my son some day.
What I hate most about my HIV status is the fact that if I die, my kid remains an orphan…not a normal orphan but joins the statistics of those kids orphaned by AIDS. I couldn’t stop the tears and as I looked around, most of us were crying too.
Watching the kids was heartbreaking. I just couldn’t stop thinking about my son.I don’t want him crying like this someday…not if I can help it.
I know God is the giver of life and I know I will die someday but if I can help it I will try as much as possible to ensure that my son has the happiest memories of me; even with this virus in my body. I will do as the doctor says; I will light the candle within me and spread its light to as many as I can reach. I will live a very positive life.
We lit candles in memory of those who had left us and wrote our messages on a piece of white cloth.Some wrote messages to their parents, others to their siblings, others yet to their friends. The content of the messages were varied; but one thing was common. We all miss them.
This years message was Never give up, never forget.
This is a two pronged message asking us not to forget those who have gone ahead of us, not to forget all the things we have learnt from HIV&AIDS in our lives, not to forget to protect ourselves from getting the virus and not to give up in the response on the fight against HIV&AIDS.
For me this message is all wrapped up in a song by Chris rice that we all sang as we lit and held high our candles.
GO LIGHT YOUR WORLD-Chris Rice
There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning,some dark and cold
There is a spirit who brings a fire
Ignites a candle, and makes his home
Carry your candleRun to the darkness
Seek out the helpless, confused and torn
And hold out your candleFor all to see it
Take your candle and go light your world
Take your candle and go light your world
Frustrated brother,
see how he's tried toLight his own candle some other way
See now your sister she's been robbedand lied to
Still holds a candle, without a flame
Carry your candleRun to the darkness
Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn
hold out your candleFor all to see it
Take your candle and go light your world
Take your candle and go light your world
we are a familyWhose hearts are blazing
So lets raise our candles and light up the sky
Praying to our Father in the name of Jesus
Make us a beacon in darkest times
Carry your candleRun to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, deceived and worn
Hold out your candleFor all to see it
Take your candle and go light your world
Take your candle and go light your world
You may have not been with us on that day but you can go light your world with the resources you have. Remember we cannot be able to everything but can take pleasure in the little that we do with all our heart and love.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
LIVE LIFE; Get out of the shadow.
It’s about 8.30pm and I am still stuck in the office….long story. Taking a break to talk about my day. Well……lets see.
I am kind of thinking of what my life would be like if I was married. I would leave work in another half hour to go home to a family (Husband and kid-s).
Tired as I am right now, I will have to deal with baby stuff, and then ensure my husband has had his dinner and a warm bath. Sort out the following day’s issues with the house help before I go to ‘our bedroom’.
I am about to get into bed and my husband gives me ‘the look’. He wants me. As much as I feel good to be desired, I would be moaning inside because I am too tired to even fake it this time round.
Mmmm I think I would quickly reach out for the ‘ugly black stocking’ that men confess to hate so much. Maybe that would turn him off and get him off my back for a while or better still he could sneak into our maid’s room and I get to find out and lose it….ah! Weird thoughts.
Before anyone thinks I am one of those anti-men women, I totally like men. They are better hang out pals and make very good true friends. I think a lot changes though once they share a bed with you and sex happens.
Today I got an email from a woman whose brother just got tested for HIV about three or so months ago. Her brother has only told her and their mother about his HIV positive status. He isn’t comfortable with anyone else in their family knowing just yet because he is scared of the way they will treat him once they find out. Well Dorothy’s brother isn’t on ARV’s yet but takes septrin tablets and tries as much as he can to go on with his life.
Last night Dorothy’s brother came home to visit and he has a cough or a cold or something like that. Her daughter who adores her uncle was all over him playing with him and clinging to him all the time.
Her concern was whether her brother could transmit the virus to her daughter because he was coughing and sometimes holding her too close.
My first reaction to this email was pain, then anger. I wondered where this woman had been in the last decade to even think those kinds of things. The first anti stigma and discrimination messages were all about ‘you can’t get HIV through touching and kissing and sharing utensils….’
I almost didn’t write back because I kept putting myself in her brothers shoes and thinking how crushed I would be if I found out that’s what she thought.
Last year my friend Betty’s sister Candy came back from the states where she lives to visit, she came with her 9 month old baby. We were fine and I was sort of giving her tips on how to take care of her baby-seeing as I was once a young confused mum-. We cooed at the baby and I even fed her. Well that was before Betty told her sister about my HIV status behind my back. To date I really don’t know what she said because I never got any close to that child ever. As soon as I got to the house, the baby would be whisked upstairs. I never even noticed anything strange until their house help pointed it out to me. I was in so much pain I couldn’t even cry.
That should explain my initial feelings I guess, I was sort of taken back to that time and how hurt I was.
Being in this situation has taught me how to at people and situations objectively. So I put myself in Dorothy’s shoes. Tried to rationalize her fears. Well she was just doing what any mother would do, worry about the safety of her child who she loves more than anyone in the entire world. I bet she was kind of torn between hurting her brother’s feelings and being a mum. Maybe that’s why she wrote to us. She didn’t need for me to be angry with her; she needed information and had reached out to people like her bro to get it.
So I replied to her mail giving instances where transmission of HIV can occur, reassuring her that as far as I know the only virus her daughter was exposed to at the time was the one for flu. And I encouraged her to make time to come and spend some time with some of our members and kids. I am hoping she will learn a lot about people living with HIV (PLHIV) when she hangs out with us.
I believe that the reason why most people shun and stigmatise people living with HIV is fear and lack of information. We blame people for what happens to us yet we do nothing to change the situation.
Maybe what we HIV+ people need to do is stand up and do our part in putting a face to positive living instead of hiding in the shadows all the time. Then maybe people wouldn't need to be so scared of us.
I am kind of thinking of what my life would be like if I was married. I would leave work in another half hour to go home to a family (Husband and kid-s).
Tired as I am right now, I will have to deal with baby stuff, and then ensure my husband has had his dinner and a warm bath. Sort out the following day’s issues with the house help before I go to ‘our bedroom’.
I am about to get into bed and my husband gives me ‘the look’. He wants me. As much as I feel good to be desired, I would be moaning inside because I am too tired to even fake it this time round.
Mmmm I think I would quickly reach out for the ‘ugly black stocking’ that men confess to hate so much. Maybe that would turn him off and get him off my back for a while or better still he could sneak into our maid’s room and I get to find out and lose it….ah! Weird thoughts.
Before anyone thinks I am one of those anti-men women, I totally like men. They are better hang out pals and make very good true friends. I think a lot changes though once they share a bed with you and sex happens.
Today I got an email from a woman whose brother just got tested for HIV about three or so months ago. Her brother has only told her and their mother about his HIV positive status. He isn’t comfortable with anyone else in their family knowing just yet because he is scared of the way they will treat him once they find out. Well Dorothy’s brother isn’t on ARV’s yet but takes septrin tablets and tries as much as he can to go on with his life.
Last night Dorothy’s brother came home to visit and he has a cough or a cold or something like that. Her daughter who adores her uncle was all over him playing with him and clinging to him all the time.
Her concern was whether her brother could transmit the virus to her daughter because he was coughing and sometimes holding her too close.
My first reaction to this email was pain, then anger. I wondered where this woman had been in the last decade to even think those kinds of things. The first anti stigma and discrimination messages were all about ‘you can’t get HIV through touching and kissing and sharing utensils….’
I almost didn’t write back because I kept putting myself in her brothers shoes and thinking how crushed I would be if I found out that’s what she thought.
Last year my friend Betty’s sister Candy came back from the states where she lives to visit, she came with her 9 month old baby. We were fine and I was sort of giving her tips on how to take care of her baby-seeing as I was once a young confused mum-. We cooed at the baby and I even fed her. Well that was before Betty told her sister about my HIV status behind my back. To date I really don’t know what she said because I never got any close to that child ever. As soon as I got to the house, the baby would be whisked upstairs. I never even noticed anything strange until their house help pointed it out to me. I was in so much pain I couldn’t even cry.
That should explain my initial feelings I guess, I was sort of taken back to that time and how hurt I was.
Being in this situation has taught me how to at people and situations objectively. So I put myself in Dorothy’s shoes. Tried to rationalize her fears. Well she was just doing what any mother would do, worry about the safety of her child who she loves more than anyone in the entire world. I bet she was kind of torn between hurting her brother’s feelings and being a mum. Maybe that’s why she wrote to us. She didn’t need for me to be angry with her; she needed information and had reached out to people like her bro to get it.
So I replied to her mail giving instances where transmission of HIV can occur, reassuring her that as far as I know the only virus her daughter was exposed to at the time was the one for flu. And I encouraged her to make time to come and spend some time with some of our members and kids. I am hoping she will learn a lot about people living with HIV (PLHIV) when she hangs out with us.
I believe that the reason why most people shun and stigmatise people living with HIV is fear and lack of information. We blame people for what happens to us yet we do nothing to change the situation.
Maybe what we HIV+ people need to do is stand up and do our part in putting a face to positive living instead of hiding in the shadows all the time. Then maybe people wouldn't need to be so scared of us.
Monday, April 28, 2008
CD4 MANIA
Taking care of issues for some of our members today got me so busy I actually forgot to have lunch. I am not hungry though, for some reason all I could die for right now is a bottle of chilled kingfisher or Smirnoff ice black……and some good bongo music at my local.Oh how i long for the days my friends and i religiously had the 'Monday drink.'
First there is the needle. I don’t mean to sound like some spoilt kid but from day one having the lab technician prick my arm to draw blood made me feel like a laboratory rat. One should think that with three years of knowing my HIV status and about 6 CD4 tests I should have gotten used to having my arm pricked but noooooooo! I guess in this life there are things one doesn’t get used to at all.
“I am sorry to wake you up but I can’t sleep.” She apologized
“Its okay dear, what’s up?” I sleepily replied
“I have to come in and see you tomorrow. I am so depressed.” She said.
I agree thinking she probably had a fight with her relatives whom she stays with and who to date don’t know about her HIV positive status.
“The doctor says its normal but I am still worried”. Christine another group member told me. I guess for us who haven’t started medication yet, the nightmare is crazy. You don’t want to go into the meds yet you know somehow that a simple test will determine that you start taking them. My answer all the time is;
“Find something positive to focus your energy on sweetie because this is what you will feel every time you go for the test.”
This isn’t what I feel when its my turn to go for my results though. Easier said than done ha!
I have had a lot of pimples of late something that’s unusual. I decided to tell that to my Doctor. Results? I have a month's prescription for antibiotics damn! I don’t like medicine! I wish there were some ailments that could be treated by say 5 glasses of wine a day! i would actually enjoy visits to the doc! Speaking of wine, there goes alcohol for another one month! Double Damn!
Jerry Gillies once said,
“Confront your fears, list them, get to know them, and only then will you be able to put them aside and move ahead.”
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
'Mummy blues'
I am having a very easy day. My boss is out for some training and i can finally relax. This is a relief seeing as I haven’t had a slow day in the office since January. I am enjoying my short-lived freedom because I don’t think I will have another day like this one in a long while.
I wont be bothered by all the work that I have put on hold today…no I wont. I will reply all my mails and make new friends on the net. That’s what I will do. Then I will IM all my buddies at around 3pm.
I miss my son. I really do. This is a new feeling for me seeing as the past years of his life I only saw him for a couple of days or a week if I was lucky. I had him two weeks before college.
I finally managed to convince my parents to let him stay with me. I wanted a shot at being mum before he becomes a man and I can’t go into his room and discuss girls with him or hug him in public……..
Nothing prepared me for the transition though. My domain was invaded and boy wasn’t it overwhelming.
No more unnecessary fun-I have fees to pay now.
No more junk food- a baby needs a nutritious meal so that means cooking everyday.
No more working late- he is home at 4pm and needs help with his homework.
No more waking up late; even on weekends. His noise and pranks would not let you indulge after 7am.
I do laundry and sort out uniforms and go to the market and recently bought needle and thread. I am a complete MUM. When most of your sentences begin with ‘don’t do this/that’ or ‘why you didn’t…’ then you are a mum
Well the first couple of months were spent with us clashing and adjusting. I guess that’s to be expected seeing as this was the first time in 8 years we were stuck together without my parents.
Junior is currently on school holiday and visiting my parents. I get to sleep most of the weekends but it’s not fun anymore. The house is soooooooo boring without him. I miss his jokes and his baby laugh. I miss talking about his feelings for his girlfriend, and I want to pick up after him and I am tired of not having him around for supper. Oh! When will the school holiday come to an end?
Most of all I miss his smile. It’s the first thing I see in the morning when we all struggle to wake up and get him ready for school. That smile means the world to me….makes me realize what a handsome young man I’m gonna have in a few years. The smile makes up for a lot of things in my life and gives me reason to soldier on even when all appears lost.
I MISS MY SON!
I wont be bothered by all the work that I have put on hold today…no I wont. I will reply all my mails and make new friends on the net. That’s what I will do. Then I will IM all my buddies at around 3pm.
I miss my son. I really do. This is a new feeling for me seeing as the past years of his life I only saw him for a couple of days or a week if I was lucky. I had him two weeks before college.
I finally managed to convince my parents to let him stay with me. I wanted a shot at being mum before he becomes a man and I can’t go into his room and discuss girls with him or hug him in public……..
Nothing prepared me for the transition though. My domain was invaded and boy wasn’t it overwhelming.
No more unnecessary fun-I have fees to pay now.
No more junk food- a baby needs a nutritious meal so that means cooking everyday.
No more working late- he is home at 4pm and needs help with his homework.
No more waking up late; even on weekends. His noise and pranks would not let you indulge after 7am.
I do laundry and sort out uniforms and go to the market and recently bought needle and thread. I am a complete MUM. When most of your sentences begin with ‘don’t do this/that’ or ‘why you didn’t…’ then you are a mum
Well the first couple of months were spent with us clashing and adjusting. I guess that’s to be expected seeing as this was the first time in 8 years we were stuck together without my parents.
Junior is currently on school holiday and visiting my parents. I get to sleep most of the weekends but it’s not fun anymore. The house is soooooooo boring without him. I miss his jokes and his baby laugh. I miss talking about his feelings for his girlfriend, and I want to pick up after him and I am tired of not having him around for supper. Oh! When will the school holiday come to an end?
Most of all I miss his smile. It’s the first thing I see in the morning when we all struggle to wake up and get him ready for school. That smile means the world to me….makes me realize what a handsome young man I’m gonna have in a few years. The smile makes up for a lot of things in my life and gives me reason to soldier on even when all appears lost.
I MISS MY SON!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
APPRECIATING MY FRIENDS
Last week I got an opportunity to help some teachers at Kenya Istitute of Education (KIE) come up with radio programs on HIV & AIDS for school children. Part of the training required that I tell my story and they would use it to script the programs. As I went through the week answering all their questions I couldn’t help realizing the influence of family and friends in shaping the positive strong person I am today.
I am slowing down my otherwise very dynamic working life to think of and appreciate various people who have seen me through the worst moments of my HIV positive life.
After the verdict of my HIV status, I painfully lost a number of friends. The bright side of all this is that I made some more. These are the people I would do anything for because they give my life meaning each day.Tehyi Hsieh once said,
“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends whom we choose."
If asked at random to name people who have helped shape my life in the last four years, I would say……(not in any particular order)
Sam Kantai; I met him in my 1st year at the university. We didn’t get too close though until after graduation and fate had us become neighbors. He saw me through the confusion of the first few months into my HIV positive verdict, to the pain of losing my job and being so angry with God and the world. He taught me the value of spirituality. I don’t know where I would be at if I didn’t have him to run to.
Mary W.; Mary was one of my supervisors during my internship. We became friends though and still are. She saw me through the worst relationship of my life. She made me understand how not to let men treat me and how to calmly walk away from all the pain. She handled my disclosure so well, didn’t cry or whatever, has always been the logical person I would ask advise on anything.
Esther; Former workmate became my friend exactly one month after I discovered my HIV status. She was always there when I needed to go for a quick cry in the ‘ladies room’. She listened to me when I went on and on about my fears, took me to my first clinic, held my hand and say me through the new experience. Now she laughs with me.
F. Rache; My dear roommate from college. We have different personalities yet are so alike. In her own way she is always there whenever I need her. Encourages me to see things in the positive. She is there when I need to cry, or talk forever about anything however stupid, or go dancing or drink silly in celebration of whatever.
D.Muigei; My college friend. So near yet so far away. Thanks to technology though we are in constant communication. Always encouraging me to go on even when the going gets tough, for her sense of humor, for not treating me any different and always bonding with me whenever she is in the country however busy she may be.
Ojay; He learnt of my status through gossip and reached out to me. I wouldn’t begin to name all that he has done for me…all the time reaching out…its just too much. I would describe him in these words. A true friend.
Shi’; One of my newest friends yet so close. She took me out of a miserable box last year, taught me how to laugh again, how to be positive about my situation even in public. Was helpful during the first few days when I decided to go public about my HIV status. Quelled my fears, held my hands, celebrated my small victories, and always strived to make me realize I was special and can be anything I wanted to be. She teaches me everyday not to apologize for my blessings. And to stretch my potential for the sake of all those people who look up to me.
Josaya; New friend too. From him I have learnt the value of patience and relationships; I have learnt not to listen to peoples negative talks, not to give up on what I consider my purpose. With his help I discovered I could write, I could encourage and give hope. His opinions mean a lot to me.
There are some more who have influenced my life and who I will forever be grateful to; Masawa, Cecelia, Nyasaka, hill, Kombo, Mike, Peter, and Joyce.
So this week I am doing the reaching out, calling all of these guys and trying to see if I can meet as many of them as I can. To show gratitude and appreciation for my relationships.
Iyanla Vanzant once said,
“My most courageous moment is not a moment at all but a series of moments strung together around a singular theme: telling myself the truth, the truth about who I am, about what I want, about what I'm doing. That takes an incredible amount of guts, faith, and strength. For me, it's most challenging in relationships. Some people do their learning in careers. Some people do their learning alone. Me, I do my greatest learning in relationships.”
I am slowing down my otherwise very dynamic working life to think of and appreciate various people who have seen me through the worst moments of my HIV positive life.
After the verdict of my HIV status, I painfully lost a number of friends. The bright side of all this is that I made some more. These are the people I would do anything for because they give my life meaning each day.Tehyi Hsieh once said,
“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends whom we choose."
If asked at random to name people who have helped shape my life in the last four years, I would say……(not in any particular order)
Sam Kantai; I met him in my 1st year at the university. We didn’t get too close though until after graduation and fate had us become neighbors. He saw me through the confusion of the first few months into my HIV positive verdict, to the pain of losing my job and being so angry with God and the world. He taught me the value of spirituality. I don’t know where I would be at if I didn’t have him to run to.
Mary W.; Mary was one of my supervisors during my internship. We became friends though and still are. She saw me through the worst relationship of my life. She made me understand how not to let men treat me and how to calmly walk away from all the pain. She handled my disclosure so well, didn’t cry or whatever, has always been the logical person I would ask advise on anything.
Esther; Former workmate became my friend exactly one month after I discovered my HIV status. She was always there when I needed to go for a quick cry in the ‘ladies room’. She listened to me when I went on and on about my fears, took me to my first clinic, held my hand and say me through the new experience. Now she laughs with me.
F. Rache; My dear roommate from college. We have different personalities yet are so alike. In her own way she is always there whenever I need her. Encourages me to see things in the positive. She is there when I need to cry, or talk forever about anything however stupid, or go dancing or drink silly in celebration of whatever.
D.Muigei; My college friend. So near yet so far away. Thanks to technology though we are in constant communication. Always encouraging me to go on even when the going gets tough, for her sense of humor, for not treating me any different and always bonding with me whenever she is in the country however busy she may be.
Ojay; He learnt of my status through gossip and reached out to me. I wouldn’t begin to name all that he has done for me…all the time reaching out…its just too much. I would describe him in these words. A true friend.
Shi’; One of my newest friends yet so close. She took me out of a miserable box last year, taught me how to laugh again, how to be positive about my situation even in public. Was helpful during the first few days when I decided to go public about my HIV status. Quelled my fears, held my hands, celebrated my small victories, and always strived to make me realize I was special and can be anything I wanted to be. She teaches me everyday not to apologize for my blessings. And to stretch my potential for the sake of all those people who look up to me.
Josaya; New friend too. From him I have learnt the value of patience and relationships; I have learnt not to listen to peoples negative talks, not to give up on what I consider my purpose. With his help I discovered I could write, I could encourage and give hope. His opinions mean a lot to me.
There are some more who have influenced my life and who I will forever be grateful to; Masawa, Cecelia, Nyasaka, hill, Kombo, Mike, Peter, and Joyce.
So this week I am doing the reaching out, calling all of these guys and trying to see if I can meet as many of them as I can. To show gratitude and appreciation for my relationships.
Iyanla Vanzant once said,
“My most courageous moment is not a moment at all but a series of moments strung together around a singular theme: telling myself the truth, the truth about who I am, about what I want, about what I'm doing. That takes an incredible amount of guts, faith, and strength. For me, it's most challenging in relationships. Some people do their learning in careers. Some people do their learning alone. Me, I do my greatest learning in relationships.”
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Beyond ‘the valley’
I am reading a book by a woman I have grown to admire so much; Iyanla Vanzant. The book "Value in the Valley” is interesting to read and very inspirational as well. Makes me take a deep look into my life each day.
Iyanla describes the valley as any dark moment in a black woman’s life when she feels like she has lost it all. The book has taught me that with a little faith, I could find a lesson and make the best(Value) out of any situation or 'dark valley' i am in.
As I go through the book I can't help looking into my life and picking out them ‘dark valleys’ and the possible lessons or positive notes.
This year started on a sad note for all Kenyans. Thank God my family survived the skirmishes. I may have not been directly affected but alot of our members who i have now become emotionally attached to were. I just never realised how much their plight affected me.
I have gone through the last three months listening to our members stories, some of them have been affected by these clashes in more ways than one. They have lost relatives, houses, all their belongings and their hope for life.
For some of us, the hope of living through another day with this virus is all that keeps us going. Being hit by life’s battles get us so down some of us getting so sick in those low moments we wish we had died in the first place.
“I was chased from my house with nothing; I have been wearing the same clothes for a whole week.” Doreen one of our youth members said to me.
“How about your children?” I ask concerned for I know the young one is less than six months old.
‘They are fine; we are camping at Ruaraka police station.” She replies, she hasn’t showered in days and is itching all over.
After my usual psychobabbles about taking my helping hand too far, I take her to my house for a bath and get her clean clothes.
Out store keeper gets some food, blankets and clothes for her and her babies from our office and I ask her to bring in the babies for medical checkup.
She leaves and I am left wishing I could do more. Maybe house her and her children if I could, maybe get them a house and pay the rent, maybe….
I can’t do much and feel so helpless.
So after a number of stories each more sad or worse than the last, I start hating my job. I lose psyche, I don’t talk much. What’s there to say, we have alot of our members out in the rain and mosquitoes.
As days go by I sink ever so slowly into the valley of defeat. I feel lost; I become dull and irritable and resign from work. My boss refuses to let me go. Giving me a long lecture of what potential she has seen in me bla bla bla.
Well Thank God for small favors, a week out of the office and hours and hours of soul searching plus ‘the book’ have brought my old self back. I even wrote my first post of the year! Yey!
I tested HIV positive about 4 years ago for a reason. I am in KENWA with all the resources at my disposal for a reason……a reason I know too well. I can’t afford to give up now.
I may not be able to help everyone or do everything, but I will do my best each day.
Iyanla describes the valley as any dark moment in a black woman’s life when she feels like she has lost it all. The book has taught me that with a little faith, I could find a lesson and make the best(Value) out of any situation or 'dark valley' i am in.
As I go through the book I can't help looking into my life and picking out them ‘dark valleys’ and the possible lessons or positive notes.
This year started on a sad note for all Kenyans. Thank God my family survived the skirmishes. I may have not been directly affected but alot of our members who i have now become emotionally attached to were. I just never realised how much their plight affected me.
I have gone through the last three months listening to our members stories, some of them have been affected by these clashes in more ways than one. They have lost relatives, houses, all their belongings and their hope for life.
For some of us, the hope of living through another day with this virus is all that keeps us going. Being hit by life’s battles get us so down some of us getting so sick in those low moments we wish we had died in the first place.
“I was chased from my house with nothing; I have been wearing the same clothes for a whole week.” Doreen one of our youth members said to me.
“How about your children?” I ask concerned for I know the young one is less than six months old.
‘They are fine; we are camping at Ruaraka police station.” She replies, she hasn’t showered in days and is itching all over.
After my usual psychobabbles about taking my helping hand too far, I take her to my house for a bath and get her clean clothes.
Out store keeper gets some food, blankets and clothes for her and her babies from our office and I ask her to bring in the babies for medical checkup.
She leaves and I am left wishing I could do more. Maybe house her and her children if I could, maybe get them a house and pay the rent, maybe….
I can’t do much and feel so helpless.
So after a number of stories each more sad or worse than the last, I start hating my job. I lose psyche, I don’t talk much. What’s there to say, we have alot of our members out in the rain and mosquitoes.
As days go by I sink ever so slowly into the valley of defeat. I feel lost; I become dull and irritable and resign from work. My boss refuses to let me go. Giving me a long lecture of what potential she has seen in me bla bla bla.
Well Thank God for small favors, a week out of the office and hours and hours of soul searching plus ‘the book’ have brought my old self back. I even wrote my first post of the year! Yey!
I tested HIV positive about 4 years ago for a reason. I am in KENWA with all the resources at my disposal for a reason……a reason I know too well. I can’t afford to give up now.
I may not be able to help everyone or do everything, but I will do my best each day.
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