He is Our Son

Never in my wildest dream did I ever think that this was possible! Here I am about to write a book that would encourage and inspire, not only those who have found themselves to be HIV positive, but their loved ones as well as family. Giving people hope and inspiration! Using Selwyn as an example: Regardless of whether they believed their situation was hopeless. If SELWYN can, you most definitely can!

I felt that I needed to have my story told and I started this project with a bang and lots of energy just over 17 years ago. Procrastination is truly the thief of time. I have had lots of mixed feelings about writing and sharing my story. This was all due to not believing in myself. On numerous occasions, I found myself having a conversation with myself in front of the mirror. Whilst I say that it cannot be done, my reflection says it can, you can, WE CAN be an author. HIV and me. We are life partners. At times giving up, then picked up my biro months and years down the line, and continuing to write a little more. Eventually, I decided that this was not only about me, but I should also not be selfish. This is about all of us. Truly this is not just about me. I have conquered HIV! It does not own me and never has. We agreed to work in harmony for peace of mind from the outset of finding out my status. I am reaching out to you, my brothers and sisters. This is about me reaching out to families who are battling with acceptance. We need to break the stigma, and I need you to lift up your hand and say, let us do this together. HIV is not a death sentence but a whole new way of positive living!

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who unnecessarily passed on, due to our government's policy at that time, as well as the stigma which had South Africa paralyzed, way back in 2007, and is still evident today. My ultimate aim is to destroy the ugly head of stigma. This is something which I cannot do alone. I believe that the only way that it can be destroyed is by standing up in unity and proclaiming that you are HIV positive. It has worked perfectly for me, as I have never felt stigmatized. I need it to work for you too. Unity is strength, and we need to work together.