Lonelygirl15

This is off topic ... very off topic.

But lately you guys have become some of my closest friends and thus, I would like to confide in you.

Last night you might have noticed that I went AFK unnannounced from the chat. If you tried to get in touch with me, I apologize.

Lately (like many of us), I have been going through a lot of personal stuff. I don't like to talk about it with you guys because I don't want to burden you. One of the most upsetting aspect of my life is my best friend Mike (name changed).

Mike and I have been best friends since we were eleven. We went to grade school together, high school, and have remained very close throughout the years. Mike is the brother I never had.

About a month ago, Mike and I went to see a movie. The blood bank was there and if you gave blood you could get in the movie for free, so both Mike and I donated.

About a week later Mike got a letter saying that his blood tested positive for HIV and he needed to get tested. The test results just came back a few days ago, and they are undoubtably positive.

[[Panda Edit -- I decided on second thought, posting what happened to Mike last night in a public forum is just going to far. I really haven't slept and wasnt thinking. It's no big deal, I'd just rather not put it here, yanno?]]

Not only would I like for you to keep him in your thoughts, I would like to take a moment to encourage everyone to go here and light a virutal candle:

https://www.lighttounite.org/

For every candle lit Bristol-Meyers will donate a lifetime supply of AZT and other AIDS/HIV related medicine to one person.

I am sorry if this bummed you out .... I just felt the need to say something. I love you guys very much, and would like to encourage you to get tested if you are sexually active. Mike has sworn up and down that he always used a condom and he never had any IV drug use -- it really can happen to the most careful of people.

Anyways, if I am kinda distant and "off" for a few days, now you know why.

All my love,
Melissa (AKA Panda)

Panda, I can't imagine what you're going through. I'll go light a candle and keep you guys in my thoughts and prayers. :hug:

All my love, thoughts and hopes are with you....

I've sent out an email to my students and vendors asking them to light a candle as well and then forward the address to their friends and families. Hopefully, we will be able to make a big difference and your friend will be able to see that after a very long, dark night, there is always a dawn.

I lit my candle and I'll be keeping you and your friend in my prayers. It's so hard when life throws you a curve ball like this.

Thanks for posting the Light To Unite information too. I'm going to send it on to my friends and get more candles lit.

sorry to hear the news hun.

i'm already wearing my (red) outfit today, but i'll make sure if people ask why i'm wearing all (red) i'll say it's for your friend.
and I've also lit the virtual candle, and a real candle for your friend.

Not everyone knows why or how some things happen, and there are some things that everyone wishes would never happen. This is one of those things.

I am currently unable to go to the site you mentioned to light a virtual candle, but I shall light a real one, here at home, before I leave for work. I shall also urge others where I work to light one (real and virtual) as well.

Love and Peace.

(Please disregard signature for this post)

I lit a candle. I'm here if you need a shoulder Panda! I did some Aids Relief work in Africa for a summer, so Aids is a cause close to my heart. I'll be sending prayers/positive thoughts towards your friend and you. He's lucky to have a friend like you in his moment of need. *Hugs*

Oh Panda-love! i'm so sorry! i lit a candle. and i'm going to light one every time i switch my internet location. i love you, and by default i love your friend. although i don't pray. i'll give good thoughts and vibes.

if you ever need anything. you know where i am. a phone call away.

Candle lit.
Prayers are with you.

I lit a candle. You and your friend are included in my prayers.

Your concern for your friend is touching, and I hope he receives the best available care and treatment.

<3

I lit a candle, in addition to my mom, step dad, sister, and best friend.
I LOVE YOU HUN!

<3Romy

I saw Romy's bulletin on myspace about it, and I lit a candle. I'm sending it on to my family.

Like I had promised earlier, I went and lit one of the virtual candles. In addition, I've contributed to the National AIDS Fund.

Many of my coworkers had said that they would light a candle as well. I hope they, too will contribute to the AIDS Fund.

I have not had a friend die of AIDS, and I would not want to see that happen.

(once again, disregard the signature at the end for these posts)

Sorry to hear that Panda............just remember everything happens for a reason.....you may never understand it ................you may hate it for ever ....but there is a reason that this happened (even if its just the cosmos being a dick<<<thats a reason too)......hopefully people will learn from this and who knows how many ppl YOU have helped just by posting this............. and hey I am in the medical field and you wouldnt believe the advances that they make everyday ........so just keep your chin up