world AIDS day

its not something we really talk that much about anymore... at least i don't. two weeks ago when i was in new orleans, ellee took us to the lazarus house to hang out for the afternoon. that's where i met michael.

michael is a beautiful and creative man. he told me of his travels. i think he has lived in more states than i have even visited. he'd stay a place a year or so and then move somewhere new. we shared stories of hiking in barton creek and swimming in the hamilton pool. michael has also has the most assorted resume of anyone i know. he's been a hair dresser, make up artist, window decorator (like for the big department stores), florist, children's fashion designer, and more (though i can't remember now). 

today, aids consumes his body. he has been living in the lazarus house for about a month and trying to get used to the new life. no longer able to travel as he pleases, he has come to the realization that it is time to plant some roots... at least until he regains his strength. his tiny frame didn't used to be so tiny, he told me. he's lost a lot of weight and he is shrinking too. 'i'm just not hungry anymore, not like i used to be,' he laments. 'sometimes medicine can do that to you,' i offer.

i didn't have much to offer michael that afternoon, just company and a listening ear. we had to keep moving our chairs to stay in the sun. he told me great stories of travels and things he had seen. he talked about friends lost and family distant. 

i'm thinking about michael today and so many others who are affected by aids. i pray that God be with them and help them to know they are not alone. i pray too that God will work miracles of healing and reconciliation and peace not just to those with aids, but to their families and friends as well.