PRISONER EXPRESS

Many dates on the calendar are meant for celebration. Some are of religious significance and some are secular. Birthdays are more personal until you have so many you tire of them. None are really that important in the scheme of things.

Since the day I was diagnosed with HIV I have been well aware of how precious life is. That is the gift we are given when we must face our frailty and realize we are not immortal beings, but only weak constructs of flesh and bone. In some ways it makes having a fatal illness not seem so bad.

Once my days were numbered and I faced the grim reaper head on each day became special. No matter what you have to get up and make the best of it. It might be your last and you wouldn't want to waste it. You learn to set aside anger and hostility because you don't want to die angry. You just want to live as happy as possible and each day becomes a celebration of life. No longer do I have to look at the calendar to see if it's a holiday. I know it is without even looking. I'm alive and I intend to make the best of it.