It was 2 years ago when Evan and I went to Lincoln Park, Chicago getting some climbing gears at Chicago's Recreational Equipment Inc (REI) that we stumbled upon a group of kids, age ranged between 8 to 10, cheerfully playing basketball at a court next to the outlet.
We decided to stop by the court and join them - which thereafter we realized we both suck at basketball when we thought we were good with 'balls' ;-) There were two ladies sitting on a bench on the edge of the court reading newspaper and glancing at us several times when we were with the kids. They were the kids sitters.
A kid, Tommy, was a hyper boy. He would run all over the court chasing the ball without even realizing which side he was playing for. At one point, he was jumping really high that he fell down scratching his knee and bleeding out excessively. I didn't see this such a big deal. Yeah, kids playing, hurting, bleeding, crying, etc. We all have gone through that. One of those memorable experiences. But, the ladies on the bench ran frantically towards us and tell us to stay away from Tommy and do not touch Tommy as Evan was trying to stop the bleeding using his shirt and applying some pressure to the wound. One lady, Emma, took the kid away to a building next to the court while the other, Christine, told the other kids to follow Emma from behind.
Tommy has AIDS. Most of the kids are HIV positive. We were astounded.
Today, in the gym, a usual morning visitor like I am, Heng, was telling me about a funeral he was arranging - he works in funeral business. At one funeral, a sister of the dead, came to him and thank him for conducting a smooth process for her sister. Heng was surprised and eventually humbled for the fact that the sister was referring the dead as her sister rather than brother because she was a transgender.
Evan and I had a very good time with the kids. Smiling and laughing. Emerging into their innocent and fun world. We love the kids. So much to learn from them about love as I could see a sister loving her dead sister.
It boils down to Love. Evan and I do not really care about those kids having AIDS/HIV. With a child eyes, you were more than you see. You're seeing true space. And for the sister, she saw a true space between her and her sister regardless the dead being a transgender. Love is what counts the most.
Happy AIDS day.
Herewith is the link to a site with a great cause regarding AIDS awareness.
