IN THE TIME OF AIDS
Back in December, 2005, I wrote the following post, in remembrance and Honor of World Aids Day.....I reposted this on December 1st, 2008.....And now, in 2011, it feels like something that might be meaningful once again, on this WORLD AIDS Day----Lest We Forget........
Here on World AIDS Day, I thought I would post just a few of the Names Quilt Panels of some of the 43+ people that I knew personally who have died of AIDS related illnesses since 1983, as a way of honoring them. Again, on this World AIDS Day, 2011, this plague is still very much with us, and as you know, there is still no cure.
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ANTHONY COSTELLO
Tony was the first person that I actually knew who died of AIDS. He was a brilliant novelist, an incredibly talented actor, and a beautiful water-colorist-painter. It was 1983 and he was 45 years old.
Quite a few years ago The Names Project AIDS Quilt came to Pasadena, Ca. And it was the largest portion ever displayed in the Los Angeles area up to that time. I had actually seen smaller portions of the quilt, a number of times over the years, but this time...this was the first time that I found some of the panels of people I had known. This time, The Quilt was at The Rose Bowl and they said that just this particular portion of the Quilt filled approximately two football fields. To get some idea of the enormity of this great and moving on-going project, here it is in Washington D.C., on the Mall.
Take a good look at this:
To try and give you just a tiny idea of how many people who have died of AIDS are represented by the Quilt....there are 8 panels in each Block.
One Block.
Then they put 4 Blocks together, so that there are pathways between each block to allow people to really see the panels so one is able to read the names of all the people in each Block.
KENNY SACHA
Kenny was a Singer/Dancer/Comedian...I knew him because he always performed in the AIDS Benefit that I have been Co-Chair of (along with Betty Garrett) for 20 years... The last time
KENNY performed in the S.T.A.G.E. Benefit, was 1992. Despite the Kaposi's Cancer that appeared on his face, he sang and danced and he was hilarious, as always.
He died a few months later. He was 39 years old.
The Quilt, as it appeared in Pasadena with the pathways between for viewing.
FREDERICK COMBS
FREDERICK was a wonderful actor and a beloved acting teacher. But what all of us remember FREDERICK for, more than anything, was at Christmas time he would get a list of children's names from The United Way who would have no Christmas at all, and then he would ask his friends to make one wish of one child or two or even three wishes, come true that Christmas. And this was done anonymously. You never met any of these children, and it was one of the most meaningful things any of us participated in at Christmastime each year. He began doing this in the early 70's when he lived in New York and then continued this after moving to Hollywood. The Christmas of the year he died, over 400 children had a Christmas they would not have had without FREDERICK. That was 1992. He was 57 years old.
JAMES EDWARD LEE
JIM LEE was an 'artist' when it came to plants. I first met JIM, when I saw some very beautiful Desert plants outside a building and asked the building owner's where these plants had come from. I was told "Flamingo Garden's" which was JIM'S Nursery. For around 8 years I frequented his nursery at least two times a week. We became great friends because I loved Desert Plants, too. And many of the plants in my garden came from JIM'S place. Eventually he had to give up the nursery because of his failing health. This was very devastating to him and to all those who loved him. He was 48 years old when he died.
One of my oldest and dearest friends that was lost to this terrible disease, had no panel in 
the Quilt when it was in Pasadena. But I honor him this World AIDS Day as a remembrance of things past that I do not ever want to forget. He will always be in my heart.
CARL BOSTELMANN, JR.
CARL was a designer who had an extremely successful Gift Shop in Beverly Hills called Kaleidoscope. CARL loved Broadway show music, entertaining with panache, beautiful things, people, and creating Santa's Workshop, at Christmastime. About 3 months before Christmas, CARL would begin making 'Christmas Magic' in what he called Santa's Workshop in the back of the shop. When you walked into Kaleidoscope, there was always the scent of fragrant candles and 'show music' playing from some Broadway show that CARL loved....and he loved a lot of them! The August before he died, we shared one more 'Happy Time' together, seeing Barbara Cook and Mandy Patankin at The Hollywood Bowl. Spending time with CARL was more fun than anything you could imagine. His enthusiasm for life and romance and fantasy made everything around him beautiful and memorable. I miss him more than I can say.
He died, just before Christmas, December 1990. He was 53 years old.
So on this World AIDS Day, I remember, with love, each and everyone of the people I have lost to AIDS.
And here they are:
Jim Abbott, John Allison, David Amorena, Bill Bokoskie, George Brenlin, Fred Chris, Panos Christi, Paul Cira, Jerry Clark, Peter Collfield, Robert Doud, Robert Elston, Neil Flanagen. Danny Fortus, Mitch Geisart, Alison Gertz, Howard Goldberg, Jeffrey Goodman, Bobby Gorman, Sebastion Hobart, Paul Hunter, Michael Jeter, Jimmy, Austin Kirby, M.G. Macormic, Doug Marney, Gary Mascaro, Bill Moore, Michael Morris, Ron Muchnick, Tyre Patterson, Harry Percer, Alan Peterson, James Carroll Picket, Tom Redmond, Freddy Sadoff, Terrence Scammell, Jacque St. Onge, Neil Tucker, Clyde Ventura, and Ben Wilson.
YOU ARE ALWAYS IN MY HEART, NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN.
And to the more than 15+ people that I know who are living with HIV/AIDS, as I write this, I pray that there will be a cure, very very soon!
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi,
This is the one of the most poignant posts I've yet to read. It grabbed my heart & has not let go.
You've lost so many dear friends. Thank you for sharing this very sensitive subject.
AIDS has stolen the lives of so many hundreds of thousands, if not millions. I hope they find a cure soon. My heart goes out to you.- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 2:12:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Way to go, lady. Great post. Sorry to hear you've lost so many dear friends because of this terrible disease. I have lost only one and it's bad enough. (still on line to visit dear blogfriends!)
- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 2:17:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I know a few names on the quilt myself. What a lasting tribute to all those lost souls.
- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 2:31:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
What a touching post from a special lady. Thank you for sharing that with us. There are so many causes out there nowadays that I think sometimes people forget the AIDS epidemic is still raging. I've not lost anyone I know to the disease, but I know those who have. Thanks for not letting us forget.
- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 3:58:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
what a beautiful tribute to your friends. this post touches my heart. i know a few people who live with this disease, including two members of my husbands family, and my sisters best friend. my condolences on your losses, and we hope, daily, for a cure.
- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 4:03:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Your post was very moving and touching. You have known so many with this dreadful disease. I knew a couple of people (but not well) that died from it that I used to work in the same bldg. with. Thanks for sharing the pictures. That one on the mall is incredible!
I pray that they find a cure. Thanks Naomi, for reminding us....- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 4:13:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
What an eloquent post. You've brought a tear to my eye and made me think a little.
- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 4:51:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Wow, great post! Thanks for sharing the images. It's all rather sobering.
I have a family member dealing with this issue, and it's hard to see so many dying.
Thanks for coming by yesterday.- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 6:15:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Wow, how incredible and poignant your post is...I can't believe it's been over 20 years that we have known about this disease and still don't have a cure.
I've not had anyone in my life die from AIDS so it hasn't touched me personally as it has you...but thank you for bringing it to the surface and remembering those who we have lost.- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 8:11:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
That's a beautiful tribute to your friends.
I am so saddened that this disease does not get the attention it deserves. Saddened and angry that we, as a nation, are not doing more.
We wasted billions of dollars on a war, but we barely touch the surface when it comes to funds needed for reseach to fight disease.- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 8:12:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
This post brought tears to my eyes and the kind of sadness that makes your throat ache. Bless you for all that you do, and for bringing this all to the front of our minds.
Michele sent me.- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 9:23:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Congratulations on being the site of the day! lucky me this is the last morning before vacation so I get to leave you this comment. Have a great day as SOTD!!!!
- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 9:32:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Well, I'm thrilled! All things Michele made me the site of the day, and it is wonderful that it came today, WORLD AIDS DAY. Welcome one & all, and thank you for visiting whenever you do, but especially, today. I'm deeply touched. This is a day to remember and to rededicate ourselves to all we care about.
- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 9:45:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
hi Lady! michele sent me, although i came on my own earlier, and will return on my own later!
congratz on being site of the day, michele couldnt have picked a better blog! (i love it when one of my favorites gets to be site of the day)- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 10:02:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
This is a beautiful tribute to your friends, and a reminder that this virus continues to kill people we love.
Michelle sent me.- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 10:17:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Hello, Michele sent me, hiya, now fitting that you are the site of the day! That was one work of a post, thanks for reminding us about this here issue. Cheers!
- Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 11:23:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
Hello, Michele sent me.
You are doing a great job.
Hang in there...Don't get discouraged. We are glad to have you in our midst.
Sorry about all the friends you've lost to AIDS. I'm glad to say no one I know up close and personally have the disease. Of course, I don't have as many friends as some do.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 12:52:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Hello, Michele sent me and how wonderful to have such a great post up when you are site of the day - it's a beautiful description, thank you.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 2:24:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
What a loving tribute to your friends. Very touching.
Congrats on being Site of the Day.
Michele sent me....- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 4:03:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Thier numbers are legion, Naomi. I am so sorry that you have suffered so many losses. Thanks for keeping their memories alive.
Congratulations on being Michele's site of the day! She sent me this morning, but I would have been here anyway.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 4:33:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
It is sad how many wonderful and talented people are taken by the disease. At least they are with God now and watching over us. Your tribute to these special friends it touching. While we remember the dead, they are not truly gone.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 5:02:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
wow.........
and we pray with you, my dear.
cq- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 5:23:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Beautiful post... and what an awesome site that quilt is...
Michele sent me today.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 5:30:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
That was the most beautiful post I have ever read.It had me in tears. I too hope they find a cure soon.
Michele sent me- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 5:48:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
You've made me cry this morning with your beautiful remembrance of some of your friends. You did them proud.
Michele sent me today.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 7:28:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I've lost someone to this disease too. Louis was a painter, a decorator, an actor and a hairdresser. There wasn't much he couldn't do. Except beat AIDS.
Thank you for this post. It was beautiful.
Hi - Michelle sent me.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 7:29:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
This is a very touching tribute to your friends.
Hello to you in the Hills... Michele sent me!- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 7:39:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Hello, Michele sent me. I lost an uncle to AIDS a long time ago, and for awhile the kids and my aunt had to go through a lot of tests to see if they had it. Miraculously, they didn't...all three are clear to this day. But anyway, I just wanted to sympathize...great post...it really honors your friends.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 7:42:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Michelle sent me, but I would have come anyway
That was a truly beautiful memorial.
Put up my post from last year. Lost most of my good friends to be honest.
We were so young, and it was so unfair. It really was. And I don't know if they could have lived. But they could have lived longer or not stigmatized
Sorry don't mean to get on my soap box
Thanks for a very beautiful post- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 7:57:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Thank you for the beautiful post. I didn't even know it was World Aids Day. I need to do something about that.
My brother-in-law has HIV. I would love for him to live until 95 and die of natural causes because a cure has been found.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 8:21:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Aids affects everyone. The sooner we realize that the soonner there will be a cure. Thank you for your loving tribute to your dear friends. We can never let them be forgotten.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 8:32:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
such a meaningful post - much better than most of the other world aids day posts I've read today. You were poingnant, personal, and yet, I didn't leave feeling depressed, but hopeful! That's talented writing, darling!
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 9:08:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
AWESOME site Michele.
The Quilt is a reminder to us all that AIDS is still with us and has taken so many lives in the past 21 years. The AIDS Memorial Quilt goals are many; "To provide a creative means of remembrance and healing; illustrate the enormity of the AIDS epidemic; increase public awareness of AIDS;- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 9:13:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Wow. I'm so sorry for them & for you. Here from Michele's today.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 9:18:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
How sad to have lost so many friends to this horrible disease. You've written not only a lovely tribute to them, but a blog entry that really makes you think. Hi, Michele sent me.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 9:23:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I have known four people with AIDS. Three men and one woman. Only one is still living. He has lived with the disease for many years, and obviously has a remarkable immune system to be able to have survived so long.
This disease is horrible.
Your tribute to those you know who have died and who are still living with AIDS is very loving.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 9:43:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Beautiful rememberance.
Everytime I see panels of the quilt I cry. I used to volunteer on a monthly dinner for those with HIV and their caregivers. It was always so painful to watch those that had been so vibrant and beauitful whither away to a cruel death.
Michele sent me today.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 10:00:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Michele sent me today, but I try to visit anyway. What a beautiful post, and what a horrible disease. I went to a performing arts school, so my list of those lost is easily as large as yours. So many bright souls, so much devestation. It's difficult to comprehend.
Silence=Death.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 10:44:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
A poignant post. thanks for sharing it with us.
the saddest statistic I heard today was that 3million people died of AIDS last year. And 5million contracted it.
The problem is still getting bigger which is something I find unforgiveable.
I was so sure the cure would be found before I was old enough to worry about it, and now I fear that I will still have to worry about it for my kids. The more we keep this issue in the public domain the more likely it is that it will be solved.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 11:07:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
WOW! You're the site of the day at michele's ! ! ! Aren't you quickly moving up the blogging ladder. I couldn't be more thrilled for you - you deserve it!
And once again...I just love this thread.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 11:38:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
what a beautiful tribute! your friends will truly never be forgotten. although i cannot say that i personally know someone who has died or is suffering from this dreadful disease, i can be counted among the many who hope and pray for a cure soon.
p.s. congratulations for being michele's site of the day. way to go! always did think you were special! :)- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 11:42:00 AM PST
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had this to say:
Wow, Naomi, I had no idea you lost so many friends to this dreaded disease. Thank you for mentioning each one of them by name, that seems like a very important thing to do on a day like today.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 12:17:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Wow, I do not even know that many people, total, I think. Let alone people who have died, and of ONE disease. I have known two 20-somethings to die of AIDS, children my friends. Because they maybe made a mistake when they were teenagers. Sad.
Michele did NOT send me, I already discovered your fabulous site on my own!- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 12:53:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and words with us today. I lost one special person from my life because of this disease, and the worst part was that the family wouldn't acknowledge he had it, even when, during the last few months of his life, he was in an AIDS hospice. He was an explosion of colour in an otherwise beige world, and I will not forget him.
Here via michele's.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 2:17:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
What a beautiful tribute to your friends! I'm so sorry that you have lost so many close to you to such a horrible disease. My heart goes out to you my friend. I pray that one day a cure is found.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 3:22:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
What a beautiful tribute -- I join you in prayer for a cure.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 4:16:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Your words were a wonderful tribute to your friends. What a good day to be Michele's site of the day.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 4:55:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
THANK YOU FOR VISITING ME VIA MICHELE (FORGIVE THE CAPS MY KEYBOARD IS SHOT). ALL THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE. WHEN I SAW THE WASHINGTON PHOTO, MY HEART ASKED "WHEN WILL WE EVER GET STEM CELL RESEARCH? MY CONDOLENCES ON YOUR LOSSES. IT IS ABUNDANTLY CLEAR THAT THEY WERE VIBRANT, ARTISTIC AND GIVING. lol!
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 4:58:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Touching. Thank you for sharing this painful litany of friends you have lost to this cruel disease.
You have opened all of our eyes today, and for that we owe you so much more than a simple thank you.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 5:08:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
So sad. Lord, how the world desperately needs a cure for this horrible disease.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 5:23:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Thank you so much for posting this. I lost my best friend from childhood to AIDS in 1983. He was not yet 30 years old. I think about Andrew almost every day...he changed my life, by opening up my world FAR beyond our little street in Brooklyn. He taught me about art, about dance, about theater...he was sophisticated beyond his years, even when we were just kids.
Thank you for sharing the stories of the friends you have lost. So sad.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 5:47:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I saw the quilt when it was in Santa Barbara and we have a small quilt to honor those from our office who have died from AIDS.
I saw you mentioned Pasadena - I grew up in La Canada and my mom currently lives in Pasadena...- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 6:56:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
That was a beautiful tribute OLH,so many lives touched by this awful disease.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 7:03:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Look at how many people you have touched with this post! Thank you for doing your part in the fight against aids by reminding us all that the disease is still prevelent and taking our friends from us slowly and painfully. Michele sent me today and kudos to her for making you site of the day.
- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 7:21:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Michele sent me to visit you on this early weekend edition--it's still Thursday even on this coast.
Weirdly enough I haven't lost anyone to AIDS. I'm sure there's friends that I've lost contact with that have had it, and likely died as a result, but not anyone that I'm actively aware of. That's kinda weird especially since I was working on AIDS for a few years when I was at Emory.
There's far too many blocks in the quilt now. Hell, there were too many blocks in that quilt 20 years ago and it just keeps getting bigger.- Thursday, December 1, 2005 at 8:09:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
This was such a loving tribute. I've seen your comments at several blogs I frequently visit and have always meant to work my way over here ... I'm so glad I did today. I missed this post when you first entered it, but I did light a candle on National Aids Day, out of respect for a few friends who have left us due to the disease.
You're a lovely lady and I plan to stop back as often as I possibly can. I only wish I had more time to visit the dozens and dozens of excellent blogs out here...
Thanks for the pictures here too... they make quite the impact on your post.- Sunday, December 4, 2005 at 6:01:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
What a lovely and touching post. Thank you for writing it. I'm so sorry for the great loss of your talented and amazing friends.
I'm here via Annie and happy to be here! I'll be back.- Sunday, December 4, 2005 at 7:55:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi,
Like the threads of love that stitched this amazing quilt together, your heartfelt words pour onto the page here in an exceptionally colorful tapestry.
I woke from a dream about a loved one who died recently from a different incurable disease, a very rare cancer. He is one of the many impetutses for my strong involvement with the new "Arts for Healing" program at a major hospital, located within 1/2 hr. of that very mall, where your photo displays this quilt of rememberance, hope, and steadfast love.
(TV keeps me up, so I set a timer and vowed to read ONE blog while eating 2 chocolate cookie chocolate never keeps me up. It's my comfort food. :)
YOur email popped up, so it was fate that I came back here again to read more tonight, well early morn.
I'm too choked up over the poignancy of her words to be articulate. I wish I could hug you! That's far too many friends to lose and far too many who are inflicted with this horrid disease.
When I read of your friend Charlie, tears gushed like Niagra Falls. I had wanted to name my blog "Kaleidoscope" but it was taken. (I also adore broadway tunes.) I do use the word in poetry a lot as well as in titles of my artwork. This was one of the posts in blogland that has touched me more deeply than I can say.
On a different note we also share names. I'm Jewish like your friend Danny and was named after a relatives for my first and middle names. My names are in Yiddish for religous reasons not everyday names. The first one's Hebrew equivalent of the Yiddish would be "Naomi." You're the first person in my year of blogging whom I've met with that name.
You asked for the link to my art website. My current post is "Lay Lady Lay" with 3 examples of new necklaces I have made.) They are not uploaded to my professional website yet, but will be soon over the weekend with a LOT MORE artwork, but there's plenty to look at there now.
ON my blog, if you click the link above my name, you can see an even larger closeup of these beaded, handmade lampworked glass and semiprecious stone designs of mine. Give the computer time to load. Blogger let me post very graphically intense pictures.
Each lampworked glass creation, is like a kaleidoscope of colours and patterns. THe computer doesn't do the mini-globes of art justice, but many have said it's still a feast for the eyes. :)
I purposely did not put my professional website link up. My email link is in that post for interested parties. My email is in that post.
I want to write you a separate email another time when I dont' need to return to sleep. I have also read two more posts, lovely further descriptions of your recent London trip. Thx for sharing! Glad those photos went up!
I can't comment on each post because I read faster than my fingers have time to write a comment, especially while multi-tasking here at the computer. DING! DING! DING! My reminder timer went off like midnight for Snow White at the Ball. I need to dance back to bed.
However, I will sign off saying that gorgeous smiling pic of you from your bed of BD flowers will yield lovely dreams!-
Warmly,
GEL (Green-Eyed Lady)- Saturday, December 10, 2005 at 3:25:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
I've decided to re-read some of my favorite entries from my favorite bloggers. Revisiting old friends, as it were.
What got me with this entry was the list of names. You made it so real, as you always do. Even though I didn't know them personally, it hurt knowing that you did.- Sunday, February 19, 2006 at 12:39:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I remember this post and it is still very poignant. It must be very touching to actually walk through this quilt seeing the tributesof those that were taken before their time. I am so sorry that you have lost so many dear friends to this diease.
- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 5:18:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
Add my name to the list of those praying for a cure, Naomi.
- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 5:22:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
awesome post! u brought tears 2 my eyes and open my eyes a little being gay in training as i call it u give me more 2 think about thanks you! i am new 2 your blog but you already got me hook!
- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 7:48:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
by the time I got to reading the names I couldn't see through the tears
I have been thinking all day of one lost friend in particular, among far too many, who I loved with all my heart.
I will never forget the day he had to leave home for the hospice and I sat with him while he said goodbye to his beloved dog. I drove the dog upstate to his new home, he sat up front with me, his head on my lap, whimpering for his Dad.
I too posted today, I posted about the AIDS orphans.
You're a wonderful lady Naomi. One of the very best.- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 12:21:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
My goodness, Naomi, you've created a beautiful stir. This tribute is amazing, and my heart goes out to the many victims' family and friends. It's a horrible disease, and with these pics and this heartfelt post, I hope you touch the hearts of those who are willing and able to give. A cure can be found for anything when enough $ and interest is raised.
Btw, the photos of the quilt gave me chills. I had not seen anything like this before. It's beautiful.- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 2:16:00 PM PST
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had this to say:
This is such a beautiful and meaningful post. I am sorry you've lost so many friends to this dreadful disease. My wish is that we will soon have a cure.
- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 2:55:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Worldwide, the effect of the HIV virus has been staggering. Entire communities in Africa wiped out, orphans left parentless, girls being raped by men who have HIV, and of course, deaths everywhere.
- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 4:31:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Thank you for reposting this, Naomi.
We cannot forget.
xoxo
debra- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 5:58:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
What a sad but well written tribute. I'm sorry.
- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 6:45:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I am with you Naomi. I cannot believe you have been hurt by so many people with this terrible disease. My thoughts are with you...
I remember this post the first time you posted it and it is terrible that we still have this disease around with only more and more people suffering from it.- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 8:36:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
I remember these pictures, they made me sob the last time I saw them. I think it's criminal that we don't yet have a cure for this awful, awful illness.
I have also written about AIDS and posted somr pictures on World AIDS Day but about the child orphans of the disease in South Africa.- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 9:19:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
Lovely tribute to lives so tragically lost. Losing so many friends is so difficult. I would hope in our lifetimes a cure for this dreaded AIDS will be found. I hope those still battling this scourge are able to obtain medication that enables them to derive enjoyment and life ahead.
- Monday, December 1, 2008 at 10:54:00 PM PST
- had this to say:
My deepest sympathy Naomi - to have lost so many gifted friends to such a dread disease is very hard.
The quilt remembrances are truly amazing and such a beautiful expression of sorrow. I join you in a heart felt prayer that a cure will be found.- Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 4:29:00 AM PST
- had this to say:
All those friends, lost to AIDS...my goodness that is so many. What a wonderful thing you've done here. Sadly our area isn't as much into AIDS awareness as they are other things though we all support any AIDS projects that exist. You just don't hear of that many cases here. Mainly, I think, because people moved away to not face the judgement of a small Bible belt town.
One of my oldest and closest friends is approaching his 7th year of full blown aids and is very sad, very nervous, about what is in store. He has told us that they say time is wearing out for him. The cocktail of pills he takes daily only work for so long maybe?
What a horrific, terrifying illness. I hope they find a cure quickly.- Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 7:36:00 AM PST
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AIDS is such a terrible disease. Hopefully they are closer to a cure because it's devastated parts of Africa as well as hurt so many families and loved ones. One of my favorite writers, Andrew Sullivan, has it but seems to be holding his own. If he can just do it until the cure is here. It is such a cruel disease.
- Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 8:24:00 AM PST
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Such a beautiful post!! Very touching indeed. I was also very happy reading the post about your friend being Cancer free...what great news that is ...I was under the impression probably wrongly that stem cell research was not allowed in the US..they do it here in Canada and many other countries...which is great!! I must be wrong or was she treated elswhere?
- Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 12:13:00 PM PST
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AIDS and Drugs and Car Crashes, it seems to be a part of human disasters we never learn how to avoid.
Every single life lost too early is a tradegy.
But, when will we ever learn?- Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 2:12:00 PM PST
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This is a terrible disease...so sorry you have lost so many dear friends to AIDS...
I was downtown Barcelona yesterday and wore my red ribbon after contributing to the fund raising out in the streets.- Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 2:39:00 PM PST
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Wow, the picture of the quilts on the Mall is just astounding. It leaves me quiet and in awe inside.
- Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 5:23:00 PM PST
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Dear Naomi,
The quilts are amazing... They have a good friend in you, with your tributes and memories...- Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 7:51:00 PM PST
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I remember this post from before. That quilt is quite amazing! We don't hear about AIDS as much as we used to it seems, but it's still a major killer. A great reminder Naomi. I'm sorry you have lost so many to this disease.
Hope you are doing well dear lady!!- Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 9:51:00 PM PST
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Naomi, what a marvelous tribute, well done.
- Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 10:02:00 PM PST
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What an unbelievable and visual protest against that dreaded disease and an honoring of those who we have lost because of it. Stunning.
- Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 7:32:00 AM PST
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God Bless and Keep them all! What a devastating horrible disease it has been.
I was a big fan of Michael Jeter's. I'd love to hear about him sometime if you get the chance.- Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at 10:31:00 AM PST
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Thank you for this post...When we lived in Florida - my partner, Scarlett, was an aids educator. She worked with so many who had Aids - and it seemed when we first got together - there was always someone that I had met through her - who would die. It was heartbreaking.
I know for a long time - she was scared to make friends - because in our MCC church community there were so many who suffered from this awful affliction - and she was afraid she would lose another friend.
I cannot understand why there has been no cure found!!! The time is NOW!- Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 2:19:00 PM PST
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We had a few of the panels at our school. It was so moving. I've lost many friends to this horrible disease. I was disgusted this day because the kids just didn't get it. They were standing around, chatting, goofing off...unless it smacks them in the face, this disease will continue to spread and they will feel apathetic.
- Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 6:47:00 AM PST
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Such a nice tribute :)
- Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 4:33:00 PM PST
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