Now we must insist that Long COVID. the Post Acute Sequelae of COVID, which afflicts millions receive the same recognition and hunt for treatments that AIDS received. It is a SARS-CoV2 induced immune system dysfunction that affects the brain, peripheral nervous system, heart, vasculature, and Gut among other organs. There are many descriptive studies, but few aimed at treatment or prevention. It is deemed by too many as a hoax.
I was a nurse in the ER during the initial days. One of our Docs contracted AIDS and not only did his family have to mourn his loss, but were left with the “stigma” that he died of the “gay disease.” It spurred me to read more and more stories of those who contracted the disease from SO Many sources. A teenaged hemophiliac rejected by his church still makes me cry. And perhaps was why I left nursing and am now a clergy person and spiritual director / companion. I also remember the first time I met a clergy colleague for the first time. When I went to hug him he revealed his HIV status. I assured him that I was NOT afraid to hug him and did. It was my honor to officiate his marriage to the love of his life several years later. I am so grateful for this remembrance.
About this moving “We Remember” story, I spoke with a dear friend who served as a chaplain at a NYC hospital during the AIDS Crisis. And I shared how moved I was by the comments — how there are those still suffering the ravages of the disease, even if not physically any longer, of those who suffered the devastating loss of loved ones, and of others in whose service of humanity remain hallmarks of great compassion in our midst.
My friend told me of a powerful account of one woman’s commitment to this work, and seems to me, there are readers here who may well deserve a place on the pages of a book such as this. The book title: “All the Young Men: How One Woman Risked It All To Care For The Dying,” by Ruth Coker Burks
Thank you. I took care of a friend who passed from AIDS, I was very involved with the AIDS community in Los Angeles, at one point the only people I knew were HIV positive. The courage, the heart, the compassion, vulnerability, empathy…..sometimes it takes a tragedy to open hearts.
Thank you. I remember. I lost friends in the 80’s. It was a terrifying time. Thanks to science, I have hiv+ friends who are living productive lives well into their 50s and 60s today.
Thank you both for this remembrance. I lost a lot of friends during those days, loving, funny, talented men. My husband's parents had kicked his brother out of the house at age 16 because he was gay. They reconciled with their son before he died of AIDS at 33 in 1987, but they still lied about who he was and said he had cancer. He was one of the best friends of my life.
Amen. Thanks again Mr. Rather
Remembering courageous persons who needlessly died due to hate and indifference.
Now we must insist that Long COVID. the Post Acute Sequelae of COVID, which afflicts millions receive the same recognition and hunt for treatments that AIDS received. It is a SARS-CoV2 induced immune system dysfunction that affects the brain, peripheral nervous system, heart, vasculature, and Gut among other organs. There are many descriptive studies, but few aimed at treatment or prevention. It is deemed by too many as a hoax.
I was a nurse in the ER during the initial days. One of our Docs contracted AIDS and not only did his family have to mourn his loss, but were left with the “stigma” that he died of the “gay disease.” It spurred me to read more and more stories of those who contracted the disease from SO Many sources. A teenaged hemophiliac rejected by his church still makes me cry. And perhaps was why I left nursing and am now a clergy person and spiritual director / companion. I also remember the first time I met a clergy colleague for the first time. When I went to hug him he revealed his HIV status. I assured him that I was NOT afraid to hug him and did. It was my honor to officiate his marriage to the love of his life several years later. I am so grateful for this remembrance.
Beautiful. Thank you. Seems like a long time ago that there was so much stigma. Glad we have advanced.
This poem/remembrance is lovely. Thank you. What a perfect piece to share on World Aids Day.
About this moving “We Remember” story, I spoke with a dear friend who served as a chaplain at a NYC hospital during the AIDS Crisis. And I shared how moved I was by the comments — how there are those still suffering the ravages of the disease, even if not physically any longer, of those who suffered the devastating loss of loved ones, and of others in whose service of humanity remain hallmarks of great compassion in our midst.
My friend told me of a powerful account of one woman’s commitment to this work, and seems to me, there are readers here who may well deserve a place on the pages of a book such as this. The book title: “All the Young Men: How One Woman Risked It All To Care For The Dying,” by Ruth Coker Burks
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/52580373
thanks and peace to all
Thank you. I took care of a friend who passed from AIDS, I was very involved with the AIDS community in Los Angeles, at one point the only people I knew were HIV positive. The courage, the heart, the compassion, vulnerability, empathy…..sometimes it takes a tragedy to open hearts.
Thank you. I remember. I lost friends in the 80’s. It was a terrifying time. Thanks to science, I have hiv+ friends who are living productive lives well into their 50s and 60s today.
You are remembered.
I took the liberty of sharing this on my Facebook feed.
Thank you.
Thank you! I remember the special people who were gone too soon. Thank you! I remember.
Thank you both for this remembrance. I lost a lot of friends during those days, loving, funny, talented men. My husband's parents had kicked his brother out of the house at age 16 because he was gay. They reconciled with their son before he died of AIDS at 33 in 1987, but they still lied about who he was and said he had cancer. He was one of the best friends of my life.
Thank you Dan, Elliott, and Boris . We will never forget, but thank you for the reminder and the beautiful words and photograph.
❤️⭐️❤️⭐️❤️⭐️
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. George Santayana