Eat A Little, Laugh a Little

December sky, December snow? This morning it looks possible. It’s a time of year that a hot meal fits into nicely. If you come down to the drop-in on a Tuesday, you’ll find just that. Members come for the food and more. Because really, having lunch with a bunch of people who know what it’s like to live with HIV can be a relief. You can eat, share info and insight, and even laugh. 

An HIV diagnosis is no joke, of course. It’s a life-changing piece of information. But as time goes by, as people share their diagnosis with others, as they learn about HIV and live with it, life regains some balance. And laughter arises again, which can be really healing. The drop-in proves it.

Newly diagnosed women will come their first lunch nervously, worried about what they might be asked to say. Within a few minutes, they are fine, because the lunches are really casual. No one is going to insist you tell your story, or what meds you’re on, or whether you think you should be starting meds. People just want to eat and feel comfortable. For some women that means talking, and for others, it’s more about hanging out and listening. There’s no pressure.

That’s the real thing- no pressure. We really want women to determine their own way of accessing the support program. Because everyone has their own level of comfort and curiousity when it comes to HIV. We’re here to help people get the info, support and connections they want, in their own way.

So if you’re thinking of dropping in to a lunch, or know someone who is, welcome. Meet us, relax, leave when you want. No pressure.

This was posted on Friday, December 5th, 2008 at 1:25 am and is filed under Daily Moments, Support . Feel free to respond, or trackback. Read our comments policy.

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