A Poem by Brooke Davidoff

Brooke is one of TheBody.com's bloggers. Check out her blog, Voice of ONE, where she writes about her diagnosis, marriage, pregnancy, parenthood and life with HIV.

LIFE

doesn't end with a diagnosis

FEAR
can make you stronger
it can drive to better yourself

DEATH
has always been coming for us
without HIV/AIDS you would still die
it might not even kill you
you could die in a car crash
and this stigma, stress and shame
you carry around like luggage
would have been for nothing

LIFE
doesn't end with a diagnosis
a new life can begin there
this can make you realize
life is not forever
make your days count
let people know they matter

Use that FEAR to do good
help others

Enjoy nature
go out for dinner
celebrate YOU

Don't let go and give up on the dreams
burning inside you
use this disease as a PUSH
to LIVE
take a chance

You only live ONCE
you don't get a 2nd chance
to rewind
to be happy
to make a difference

Don't let this disease dictate your life
your future
take control
no one can do it for you
Look DEATH in the face and say

"Not today, I've got plans!"

Mind over matter
you still control your destiny
it's still your life
don't act like you lost it
in a bad hand of poker