If someone within the family is diagnosed with HIV, this is likely to immediately put a strain on the bonds that a family shares, no matter how tight-knitted they may be. The thought of not having that family member present at all during the important milestones of your life; graduation, marriage, the birth of your children even; not being there to share these special events with you is frightening.
You may be scared, confused or even angry. You’ve heard stories from friends, colleagues and on the news of how others have suffered from HIV but, you never thought this would happen to your family. Alas, it has and you cannot comprehend it. You may deny it or choose not to think about it but it will always be on your mind. You sit there and think how could it happen to us?
Even though it may be one of the most difficult things you do in your life, you must accept it. And remain strong, not only for yourself and the rest of your family but most importantly for the sufferer. This is the time they need you most, your love, support and care. Do not treat them differently; treat them like the loved family member that they are. You may or may not choose to talk about their illness. Some may feel better by revealing what they are feeling or not keeping their emotions bottled up inside of them. Others may decide that it is too painful. It should not be the topic of every conversation or even the most important for no-one is perfect, no matter how hard they might try to be. Share the experiences that you can with them, add to the memories that you will cherish, show them that you care and most of all, let them know that you love them unconditionally.
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