This is My 100th Article...It is Not about Me, though

Published on October 14, 2005 By InBloom In Misc

My 100th Article...It’s Not about Me, though

This is about my aunt Irma. Our family found out this past week that she is HIV positive.

Irma is 50-ish years old. She is fun spirited and loves to joke around with her sisters. She loves music and dancing and enjoys spending time with her only grandchild, a vivacious two-year old girl. Irma is not just an aunt I see at holiday functions, parties, etc. We actually lived under the same roof for several years, and needless to say, I am close to her.

Irma was infected by someone she once cared about. She has known about her illness for quite sometime. So, while we were baffled and concerned as to why she was continually getting sick, she struggled with this on her own, fearing that if we ever found out, we’d reject her in some way. When the truth did come out, our hearts broke for what she has had to deal with by herself, for what she is going through now (she’s been in the hospital for several weeks, suffering from pneumonia, swelling, and other ailments)...and for what she has yet to battle.

But rejecting her is something that is nonexistent. In fact, we have rallied around her. She is inspiring us to become more caring and more compassionate. She is motivating us to gain more knowledge about her illness, an illness that was always someone else’s plight, but is now our own. She is also motivating us to create the best support system possible for her.

We love you. We will be there for your every need. Just remember, you are not alone in this anymore. It is OUR battle now.

(I have more to write about on this, but I’ll leave it for another time...If I go on right now, I might get too misty eyed).

Comments

Dr Guy

on Oct 14, 2005

You have a great family. Congratulations on your 100th. And God bless Irma.

Moderateman

on Oct 14, 2005

ya having a dread disease, kinda keeps ya stand offish, good to hear you guys are rallying around her. seems like most folks get in the wind when they find out someone is sick..btw congrats on 100

alison watkins

on Oct 14, 2005

Wow. I am speechless. I would try and say something, but I don't want to end up sounding like a fool. Irma is in my thoughts.

Tova7

on Oct 14, 2005

(((((Inbloom)))))

I have to admit I've never known anyone with AIDS...that I have KNOWN. So I can't even begin to imagine or help with that. But you obviously love your aunt (ain't they great?) and I am sure that is more comfort than anything...

Sending a prayer your way.

Trudygolightly

on Oct 14, 2005

InBloom, this is a beautiful and sad article.
I'm so happy for your familie's coming together to support Irma, how good to love
family like this.
My prayers go with you

InBloom

on Oct 15, 2005

~~You have a great family. Congratulations on your 100th. And God bless Irma.~~

Thanks Doc.

~~ya having a dread disease, kinda keeps ya stand offish, good to hear you guys are rallying around her. seems like most folks get in the wind when they find out someone is sick.~~

I understand that some people will feel awkward and might not know exactly how to approach her. But I think it would be worse just to out and out avoid her. It makes her feel comforted to have people around her, even if they just come by and have "hi","how are you", and "nice weather we are having" chats.

InBloom

on Oct 15, 2005

~~Wow. I am speechless. I would try and say something, but I don't want to end up sounding like a fool. Irma is in my thoughts.~~

Don't worry about not finding the right words to say. Just coming by to read and respond to my article means alot. Thanks, Alison.

~~But you obviously love your aunt (ain't they great?) and I am sure that is more comfort than anything...Sending a prayer your way.~~

Tova, thanks for the hug.

.I know that you are somewhat going through the same thing with your aunt...and I send a prayer to her as well.

~~I'm so happy for your familie's coming together to support Irma, how good to love family like this. My prayers go with you.~~

Trudy, thank you. Your thoughtfulness and prayers mean so much. Yes, it does make her feel good that the family is doing what they can for her.

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