What is supposed to be the most exciting time in a young person’s life became my worst nightmare. As I packed my bags for my high school Senior trip to Walt Disney World, my mother called my younger sister and I into her bedroom because she had something important to tell us. After several deep sighs she somehow managed to explain to us that she had been diagnosed with AIDS and wasn’t sure how much longer she’d live. In an instant my world came to a screeching halt. I sobbed hysterically and searched my mind for words to somehow express the devastation my heart felt. The only word I could...
ConnieLJohnson's blog
As I think back on the joys, struggles, lessons, and triumphs of 2012 I can’t help but think about who and what I was ten short years ago. 2012 marked a decade of living positively with an AIDS diagnosis. Ten years ago I was a depressed, despondent young woman unsure of how or if she could accomplish anything worthwhile. My memories of 2012 say to that uncertain woman not only can you accomplish the unimaginable but you will accomplish anything you put your mind to. This year I successfully completed three semesters of graduate school in a field that nourishes my mind and soul. I traveled to...
When I began speaking publicly about HIV/AIDS eight years ago, I thought that I was simply doing my part to educate and create awareness about a disease that had changed my life forever. I spoke at youth conferences, churches, and World AIDS Day events a few times a year. When the events ended dozens of audience members would hug me, thank me for my courage, and encourage me to continue sharing my story. I became accustomed to people who wanted to offer me their well wishes. But I was always caught off guard by the perfect strangers who would approach me and tell me their own stories of life...
At age twenty five I decided to go back to college. I enrolled to an HBCU and majored in Sociology. I loved my major and made the Dean’s list every semester. In addition to being in school full time I also worked part time at an afterschool program. For the first time since my mother passed away I felt like my life was worthwhile. I was finally living a life that she would be proud of and it felt good. One day while on campus I noticed large crowd gathered around a van in the center of the campus yard. Loud hip hop music blared from its speakers and the bright red AIDS ribbons that covered the...
Imagine if you will. You walk into a crowded restaurant. The buzz of conversation and laughter fill the air. The greeter asks you to share a table with a handsome stranger. You agree without hesitation. Over a delicious meal and pleasant conversation, you discover that you have a lot in common and would like to see one another again. After two or three successful dates you and the man of your dreams mutually decide that you would like to begin dating exclusively. Your happily ever after is right at your fingertips but you are suddenly reminded by the small voice in the back of your head that...
I read a statement earlier this week that has stuck with me ever since. It said "Perhaps we as humans are like plants, the moment we cease to grow is the moment we begin to die."
My name is Connie L. Johnson. I am a daughter, a sister, a niece, and a friend who was diagnosed with AIDS in 2002.