I was recently contacted by a man about my own age - and yes they are still out there. He has just passed the first anniversary of his positive HIV diagnosis. He was asking me if there were support groups for the newly infected these days. In thinking about this - I am aware of a few 'support' groups that are tailored not to any specific subset of the infected community but to those infected in general. These are few and far between to the best of my knowledge. I was recently involved in a general support group and found it useful to the more recent infectees to be able to ask the rest of us what they had to look forward to - what our experiences were regarding meds, symptoms, doctors, etc. I would steer any newly infected persons to one of those groups if they can find them. In a subsequent entry I will include a list of LA area agencies that still offer those groups, and welcome any readers to offer their wisdom as well.
The one area that is getting alot of press is the crystal meth - HIV connection. There are more opportunities to enter one of those groups around these days.
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SAVED BY GRACE:
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell.
I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process].
I was released from hospital 16th September 2004, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins.
Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages.
God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17]. I was saved, I am saved, and I am being saved. Yes, but only God knows who they are.
I, MICKY, AM A GIFT TO ALL PEOPLE
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