Sunday, May 25, 2014

A Normal Heart

It's been a long time since I have posted anything "real" on this blog. There was a time when I would post things about hope and miracles. Then I became obsessed with writing tips, my friends who are authors and even my own personal pursuit of being an author. Somewhere along the line things that mattered to me took a back seat to all of that. Now things have come full circle, at least in a small way. :)

I watched a movie called A Normal Heart, the story about the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic here in America. And that brought back so many memories.

For those who don't know, I grew up in San Diego, Ca., one of the ultimate melting pots of creativity, sunshine and different cultures. I had many friends who were gay and even some who passed away. That movie brought back their laughter and tears. This post, to me is important because it is a disease that has touched me on a personal level. Before you ask, no I don't have AIDS. Watching people you love and care about pass from this disease is not something you would soon forget. It's filled with more pain and kills the  body mind and spirit in such a slow way that it should literally be something those going to hell should have to deal with, not those innocent people who were brave in the face of such an evil.

I find it strange that what once sent well educated people running to the hills, now barely makes a blip on the radar when it comes to news. AIDS/HIV is not new but it is still there. The estimated number of cases that turn up DAILY is 6000. I'm going to say that again in case someone decided to skim. The estimated number of cases that turn up DAILY is 6000. That number should be lower. We know how to prevent it from spreading and yet somewhere along the line our species that has such a strong will to live, can't seem to simply listen. That number is not for the Gay society only, it is for all people in our small part of the world.

I know that parents aren't comfortable talking to their kids about sex, but believe me when I say that if you don't, someone else will and that person may not end up having their best interest in mind. Please don't assume that your child is not having sex because it's something you don't want to consider. Please purchase condoms for them so that they are safe should they make that ultimate intimate decision. If we do not educate our children then we are raising our own apocalypse.

There is not a cure. There is merely life expanding drugs. To quote A Normal Heart, Polio was an incurable disease once...

I know that this isn't the usual post, but it is something that needs to be said and people need to be reminded that not only does this disease still ravage our world, but it steals our youth, our possibilities and our hope for the future. A cure can be found if people can remember that the real terrorists of the world are not those we see in foreign lands, they are the things we can't see with the naked eye.

Much love to all those who are dealing with this disease and putting up a brave fight.

A Normal Heart's cast was incredible, the story full of heartache and realism. The heaviness of the drama should and could only serve as a reminder of a friend of mine who passed from this horrible disease back when we didn't understand it. You are loved still, missed even now and will never be forgotten.

 
Powered by Blogger