Surviving HIV: Celebrating 25 Years of Resilience

Living with HIV for 25 years is more than a personal milestone; it’s a testament to strength, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. Each person’s journey with HIV is unique, yet we all share the common thread of survival. This is my reflection on the past 25 years of living with HIV.

A Quarter of a Century: A Journey of Triumphs and Challenges

I may not hold the record for living with HIV the longest, but my 25-year journey is a powerful testament to perseverance. Many others have lived positively with HIV for much longer, each with their own unique story. Today, however, I focus on my own journey, celebrating 25 years of living with HIV. It has been a long quarter of a century, filled with moments of triumph and days when I wished the virus away.

The Weight of Time: A Personal Revelation

Recently, my wife remarked, "So, you’ve been living with this virus longer than the years you didn’t have it." It took me a moment to grasp her point: I’ve had more years with HIV than without it. If I’m honest, her comment felt heavy. I hadn’t paid much attention to time, as my focus was on surviving HIV.

This milestone comes at a sensitive time in my life. I’m 45 years old—an age when people often say, "Life begins at forty." For me, life kind of started after forty, thanks to COVID-19. I belong to the generation that’s allowed to blame COVID-19 for not starting on time.

But I’m here now, reflecting on my life and preparing for the next phase—beyond HIV. The lessons from the past two decades have given me enough insight to truly understand who I am, especially regarding my HIV experiences.

Beyond Activism: Redefining Identity

For many years, I fought not to let being HIV-positive define who I am. I’ve always seen myself as the same as any other person, HIV-positive or not. But the truth is, when you’ve lived with this virus and been on the frontlines, it inevitably shapes who you are and where you’re going. In my thirties, I wished to be as far away from HIV as possible. I no longer wanted to live the activist life. I imagined if I didn’t need to work, I would go live on a farm in the countryside and become a farmer.

I’ve been on HIV treatment for over fifteen years, and I’ve run a good race. But even with the best healthcare, as we age with HIV, things change. My health hasn’t been in great shape over the past few years, and I’m currently dealing with several medical issues that have arisen due to aging, making things a bit more challenging.

Gratitude and Looking Forward: Life Beyond HIV

Despite the health challenges, I look forward to the future with gratitude. My children are growing up healthy, and I feel more aligned and at peace with my long-term goals. I have survived HIV for a long time, and I’m still standing.

Here’s to many more years of life. #HIVlongtermsurvivor #survivingHIV #lifebeyondHIV