Today is the happiest day of my life. I tested HIV negative. This is the last test I will ever take, the last time I will have to wonder if I am okay. I am getting married next week and my fiancée and I were worried out of our minds. Everything we had ever hoped and dreamed of now has a chance of coming true. In the past I had no self-respect and I was totally depressed, I hated everyone and everything. I didn't care whether I lived or died. Until I met him. He made me appreciate things that I never even noticed.
Before we met, I had myself tested and got a negative result. However, there were about 3 people (I say "about" because I am not sure) in between the last test and him. I felt fine and the truth is I never even thought about the fact that I could be carrying the virus. It wasn't until the wedding date drew closer that I started seeing signs everywhere: commercials on tv, ads in magazines and on bus benches... I was going mad. I took it as a sign from God to do something about my uncertainty before starting my new life. The week before today I finally gathered the courage to go in and take the test. Since I received the news, my fiancée and I feel like we have been reborn. We have been given a second chance from God. Never again will I be so careless, hate myself enough to risk my life by having sex with the first person I meet.
It sounds cheesy but the air I breathe smells sweeter, food tastes better, even pollution smells like roses! To those of you out there who are not engaging in "safe sex", think about the future. No matter how you feel right now, you never know what will happen in as little time as one year, one month, or even tomorrow. Take care of yourself.
I hope this message doesn't fall on deaf ears although I was guilty of the same. HIV/AIDS meant nothing to me until I went in to get tested. Don't be like me. HIV/AIDS means more than nothing, it means your life!

Sent via Email Wed Mar 31, 2004.