I’ve not been writing as frequently recently as there is so much news connected with Mandela Day filling these pages that I didn’t want to distract too much from that important event. However I did want to just check in and let people who read my blog know what’s been happening with me.
Towards the end of last week I got hit by a 48 hour virus that came out of nowhere and left me in bed with a temperature that hit over 100 on Friday. I was more than a little stressed by this sudden downturn in my health after feeling so well for the last couple of months. I guess I should have realised something was wrong earlier when my appetite started to disappear; then the sore throat, cough and running nose started and finally the fever and chills kicked in. Thankfully 2 days in bed, lots of fluids, grapes and painkillers seems to have done the trick and got my temperature back to normal and I am already beginning to feel like my old self again, just need to get my appetite back and then I will be fully recovered.
Prior to this little episode I had been on top form. I had just spent 5 days with a group of HIV positive men who are members of an internet forum that I participate in. Each year there is an annual gathering for any members of the forum who would like to actually meet in person and this year it was held in London. As I haven’t attended any HIV support group meetings for well over a decade, this was a great opportunity to spend time with other positive people and share experiences, support each other and have a good time.
Although the prospect of meeting strangers who I’ve only connected with in cyberspace might seem a little daunting it did in fact turn out to be rather wonderful. In the end it was just a small gathering with just 8 of us meeting up but all the guys were fantastic and I thoroughly enjoyed their company and getting to meet them. Also it meant I got to play the tourist in London with them and got to experience many bits of London that I just never usually think about as I live here all the time.
One aspect of these gatherings that always occurs is a short memorial service to remember all those we have lost to AIDS. We held ours in Holland Park in West London which was the favourite park of one of the forum members who died about 18 months ago. In the last few months, two other members of the forum have died; a reminder to us all that people are still dying of AIDS. The memorial was held on the 17th anniversary of when my former partner Ian died so it was even more poignant for me. Even now I still think of him at least once a week, such was the impact he had on my life.
On a more upbeat note, the World Cup has just begun and I am so excited at the prospect of all that football to watch. For those in South Africa, I do hope the tournament is a fantastic success for your country and the tournament acts as a catalyst for bringing everyone together. May the best team win!!