2014: A Look Back

This has been an interesting year indeed.  As always, there were some ups and downs.  I will start with the not-so-great moments because I feel it is best to end with the positive!  The most troublesome time this past year was getting into a heated argument with my best friend.  I know I should let it go, but my heart does not want to; however, I am too stubborn to give in.  We both said some horrible things, which some may never be able to be forgiven, but time has a way of changing things.  I will just let time take its course.  K.B., our dog, had two surgeries and both were cancer.  :(  Fortunately, she is doing well now!  After that, she got a skin infection, which the antibiotics made her hair fall out in the places the infection was.  Poor thing.  Again, she is well now!  Of course, there have been some friend's family members that have passed.  Again, my heart and love is with you this year and every year.

Other than those bad things, Forrest and I have had some incredible times!  First, we celebrated our 5th anniversary!  Wow, time does fly!  Happy Anniversary Forrest!  I was invited - and accepted the invitation - to the National Society of Collegiate Scholars!  I still have not grasped that situation yet.  I also received 100% in two classes!  That was a total shocking moment, and well worth repeating!  I had the opportunity to write an article for HIV Positive Magazine, which was very personal, yet was published in its entirety.  That brings me to an incident I had been contemplating for years: telling my friends and family about my status.  I have heard some various stories about people "coming out" about their status, and I was in part terrified to relinquish that information.  Then, after the article was published, I realized that I could help others.  I could only do that if I was honest with myself.  I began to think that if I could not divulge the information to my family and friends, how could I help others?  So, I posted the article to my Facebook page.  The responses were overwhelming!  In all honesty, I cried on a couple of them.  Not because they were hateful, but the opposite.  So full of love, understanding, and respect!  Thank you!

As I look back on 2014, I can only believe the best is yet to come!  I am half of an incredibly sweet, loving man, and I honestly have the most loving and supportive family and friends.  Onward and upward!

2015:  I welcome you with open arms!  Cheers!

To those of you reading:

Stay safe this New Year's Eve.  There are loved ones that want to continue to say "I love you"

HAPPY NEW YEAR!