Amazing! That is the only way I can describe the experience of the AIDS Walk. I was truly moved by the whole experience. There were a couple of times when I actually teared up. Thankfully, I was wearing my sunglasses. It was unbelievable to look ahead and see nothing but a sea of red t-shirts and look behind me and see the same, for as far as I could see. I met several nice people and made small talk. Nothing earth shattering about that. But to be in the middle of all this humanity, I really felt alone. I thought of my 12 dead friends and ached deeply at my very core. I walked for them. I thought of them, as I have for many years. Today was very special. For all the people I met, all the really hot guys that were there, none of my dear friends were. I walked alone. I felt every step. I was uplifted with their memories of happier times. I miss them dearly. It all seems like a life time ago. Almost dream like. I need to stop now to wipe the tears and carry on.
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Dave, maybe you felt alone but you were not. Your friends that passed away due to this terrible disease walked with you all the way, you didn't see them but they were there, in one of the most important parts of your body, your heart!
I'm very proud of you for taking part in this and raising so much money. I'm very glad you were so successful. You've inspired me to do the same thing here in Dayton, although when I searched for a Dayton AIDS walk I came up with nothing. I find myself scratching my head at how I've never participated in one before considering that AIDS is such a huge part of my life. But like I said, you've inspired me to correct that omission.
Your post reminded me of the first time (in the 1990's) when I "ran" (in days when I could still "run") my first 5K for an organization that provided meals for victims of AIDS in NYC. I still support them as I can; the emotion of that day still lingers.
Dave I do understand were you are coming from. Firs time I was at the AIDS quilt. I saw to many freinds quilts there. When Aids first came out I lost to many dear freinds. I still have problems when stuff like this comes up. It reminds me of what I have lost and can never regain.
Hugs
Ray
Dave...Just noticed you changed your profile picture you stud!.....Joe
Thanks Joe! Still short,fat and hairy, but the face is holding up pretty good! LOL
A time passes and people allegedly 'are better', there is less interest in HIV / AIDS.
I am very glad people like you keep up the cause.
Good work Dave! Maybe, if you stay in touch with some of the nice people you met that day, one or two will become dear friends. Nice post. Thank you for sharing yourself here.
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