"Half the misery in the world comes of want of courage to speak and to hear the truth plainly, and in a spirit of love."

"Healing Moves'' Workshop

Seattle Friends for Life Society presents Part III of their Healing Workshop Series. This free class will focus on movement therapies that can relieve pain, increase flexibility, and improve strength, balance and vitality.

Instruction includes Tai Chi/Qi Gong with Kim Ivy of Embrace the Moon Ta'a Chi Chu'an and Ch'l Kung. Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement with Janelle Keane, Yoga with Laura Yon-Brooks, MA and Aston-Patterning with John Heutmaker, L.M.P. All practitioners are certified and place an emphasis on individuals with life-challenging illnesses.

This free workshop will be held at the Garfield Community center, 2323 East Cherry Street, May 18th, 10:00 AM---3:00 PM.

The Seattle Friends for Life Society enhances the lives of people with life-challenging illnesses and to their families, friends, and caregivers b empowering them to make educated choices about their well-being through education, and emotional, spiritual, and physical services. All Society services are free of charge.

Hear Me Now

When I initially came to BABES, I had been HIV positive for about five years. Prior to that, my husband and I had been pretty much isolated..

My husband Gary developed full-blown AIDS when our oldest son was two-years old and our youngest son was nine-months old. As my husband became sicker and sicker, I felt so alone. The doctor was having a difficult time diagnosing Gary's problem. Finally, he discovered that Gary had CMV in his esophagus. At the time of the diagnosis, Gary had lost so much weight that he could barely walk. Although the doctor suggested that Gary enter the hospital, he refused. So, we arranged to have all his medical necessities administered at home. Before I knew it, our house had become a mini-hospital with IV poles, pumps, needles, medical supplies, and everything else usually associated with a hospital.

Before I continue, I just want to say one thing. Gary and I lived in a trailer park, and no one knew our medical status, nor did I want anyone to know. Because I feared all the questions from our neighbors, I kept to myself. Just like they say, this illness is very isolating. During that time, I spoke to no one except to the nurses who came, the drivers who brought the medical supplies, and Gary, who was so miserable he really wasn't much for talking.

Because our children were so young, they didn't understand what was happening to "Daddy." "Why is Daddy so sick? Why does he have tubes in his chest? Why can't Daddy hold us any more?'' All these concerns were hard for my boys to comprehend; I felt myself dying inside, yet I had to be strong for them as I watched Gary slowly die.

At that point, none of our efforts seemed to help. Seeing my husband go from being an independent, strong, vibrant person to becoming a shell of a human being who could no longer even pick up his children for a hug was a painful transition. However, he had something insideof him that kept him fighting for his life. Looking at his small children, he would struggle with every last breath to stay alive for his sons. He wanted to see them grow up, take their first steps, ride their bikes for the first time, laugh and play, and to hear them say, "I love you, Daddy."

On Gary's next check-up, his doctor told us that he didn't know what else he could do for him, and that we should prepare ourselves for his death. Although he added that if Gary could manage to stay alive, several new medications were coming out on the market that possibly could prolong his life. The doctor also suggested that he move to Bailey Boushay House, but Gary wouldn't hear of it. So, we continued living day to day without thinking about the tomorrows. Sometimes, especially at night, I would quietly walk over, bend down, and listen to make sure he was still breathing. I was so terrified that I would find him dead. There was no one with whom I could share this without fear of rejection, so I kept silent.

I cannot even begin to tell you all of the infections and opportunistic infections that Gary has had, but this has been one hell of a ride. However, I will tell you that I wish I had known of BABES because in the beginning, I could have used all the support that I could possibly get; I was so alone. Traveling down the road is a lot easier when we have people around us who listen when we feel that we just can't go on, or when we think that we can't take any more of this disease, especially when we are afraid to tell our neighbors, brothers, sisters, mothers, or fathers. I feel so angry that this is the type of disease that if I have gotten it, I must have done something terrible to get it, or I am a terrible person for having gotten it. I want to stand up to those people and show them that I hurt just like they do and to ask them please not to shun me or my children for something over which we have no control. So, hear me now; I am a human being. I feel, I love, I hurt just like they do.

Chicken Soup Brigade Rides Again!

Thanks to Laura Anderson, the nutritionist at the Chicken Soup Brigade, we will have one of their yummy recipes in the newsletter each month. Enjoy!

Fried Rice with Tofu and Peanuts
(Makes four servings)

Directions: Sauté garlic in oil over medium heat for one minute. Add ginger, carrots, rice; then cook, stirring for five minutes. Add water to moisten, if necessary. Stir in green peas and tofu, then heat through. Season with soy sauce and top with chopped peanuts.