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There was a time in my life that I was only looking at the end. Yes, death was the only thing that occupied my thoughts. Now, 34 years later and 72 years of age, I am happy to live this life handed to me. Every day I thank GOD for allowing me to survive the muddy water of death and think of the many friends, who were not allowed this blessing. Living with the virus has not been an easy cake walk but being your own advocate and great healthcare provider has been a blessing. I salute the survivor
Nice article, I agree with your thoughts on surviving those early and hellish AIDS years. I'm also going down the HIV merry go round of life. Look at me, alive and well at 71 and writing to another "long term survivor"! Hahaha.
Glad to read your essay, Tom. I could have written it, as so much of what you said is my story, too (and our writing styles seem similar)- needless to say, it appealed to me. Kudos to you for getting it published, and congrats on being the survivor that you are. James
After reading your article, I don’t feel so alone anymore because I’m aging beautifully at number seventy five. However that being said it stinks not being able to have a significant other but I have peacelovehope in my heart.
I appreciate Tom's sharing. 78 here and poz since 1985. I didn't allow myself to think I would die young from AIDS, though it was a big knock in the head. So I don't agree that no one though of surviving this disease long term at that time. Definitely agree with all of the nasty things it visits upon its victims. I stayed focused on my future, job and career. Staying mentally positive and looking forward to my future has been a powerful weapon against the setbacks. I appreciate my good fortune.
Great article! Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I'm older than you (81) but diagnosed much more recently (2014). I've also got my share of co-morbidities (high blood pressure, breast cancer, AFIB and more) but like you, I'm glad that I'm still standing. Better than that. I'm thriving. I give thanks every day for medical science that allows me to have all that I have.
Very well written article at 66. I’ve been HIV positive for 16 years. It is often isolating and I tell very few people this article definitely made me feel connected to a larger group that I know very little about thank you for your time.
kycowboy
This is a profound message by a very smart man. Thank you.
March 29, 2026 • Kentucky