Soldier of Life

The story

Lucky I lived for everyone I love. When I was diagnosed clinically with AIDS, I was angry at God and blamed him for my misfortunes. I had the power to make the correct choices, but I didn't. People have disclosed my status without my permission devastated me and hurt me to my heart, but I will survive. I'm as strong as a soldier. I m the Soldier of Life: Lucky I lived For Everyone I love. I finally seen the light, and people at Wellness AIDS Services, Inc. of Flint, MI came to my home, "kidnapped" me, and told me I was going to the women's support group. I met a lot of beautiful women who had ambition and are doing great things with their lives. I realized that everyone and everything has a purpose. Wellness gave me my life back. The women in women's group have built each other's self-esteem emotionally, and we never judged each other. Men and women at Wellness, especially those who have been diagnosed, need to build each other's self-esteem emotionally for support, and never judge each other. Sometimes the world disappoints me. Society judges what they don't know about. Even though I show happiness and joy on the outside, on the inside I'm suffering. For everyone who has this "stereotypical" virus deserves the military ribbon/metal, the Purple Heart, which is what the military receive when they are injured. Our hearts have been broken and injured, but it takes strong, courageous people to overcome the HIV/AIDS virus. I now have a happier, new life with a significant other. When I was at my lowest he was there for me. He gave me what nobody else did; unconditional love, care, and protection. In closing, I am the first female soldier doll in the STITCHES program. I'm honored to feel that everyone living with HIV/AIDS are all Soldiers of Life. You are a great bunch of people.