radicaldiscipleship by AZRON

Personal Reflection:

I sat beside the bed of the first person to die with AIDS in Phoenix. A few days later, I stood by the graveside with this wife and daughter as he was placed in his final earthly resting place. Shortly, thereafter, I was invited to part of a group who worked to address this disease: Arizona InterFaith AIDS Network. I have sat with too many people dying of this disease. I have officiated at their funerals, comforted their spouses, children, parents and friends, and carried their memories in my heart.

The youngest AIDS victim I have sat beside when she took her last breath was 4 years old.

In my possession is a cross. This cross was given to me by the wife of a man who died of AIDS. I occasionally wear it to remind me of Doug who I met while working with the homeless. Doug worked at another agency serving the homeless as a caseworker.

I attended the showing of the AIDS quilt in Phoenix in the 90s. I am sure there isn't a building in the world big enough to hold the quilt anymore. I understand parts of it still are on tour. I remember walking through the exhibit and reading the names and ages of those who died of AIDS. It was a very moving experience.

I am thinking of my friends who have died - and I am thinking of the gifts I received from them and wishing their lives had not ended so soon.

About the Quilt:

UPDATE:

"More than 65 million people in the United States are living with an incurable sexually transmitted disease. And despite enormous progress achieved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of STDs, we’re losing ground. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that an additional 19 million people will become infected with one or more STDs this year. Among the front-runners are chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis." (Note: HIV+ is not in this list!)