David.Atkinson@ncar.UCAR.EDU (David Atkinson) (08/24/89)
Well guys. Although I don't post very much in this echo, I am always lurking about. Part of my problem is that I am not really very comfortable talking about this subject. As some of you will know from previous posts by me, I am HIV+. Since January of this year my T-4 cell count has been holding at about 420. The last test (5 weeks ago, showed a decreased T-cell count, now 330. This has me very scared that the disease is progressing. As a result I am feeling that it is time to tell my parents about my health status. The problem is that we have never talked about anything in my life. I told them I was gay 18 years ago and we still haven't talked about that. The give a sort of silent acceptance. I have no way of knowing how much they have kept up with the AIDS situation, but tend to think that it is one of those things that they would choose to pass over in the paper or the news and for sure would not buy a book on. My problem and the one I am looking for some advice and sharing on, is How Do I Tell My Parents? I am very much afraid of rejection, to the point where I have considered just not telling them, but deep down, I know that I have to give them the option of either rejecting or hopefully supporting me (emotionally). Thanks in advance for any help and support given. David SEEN-BY: -- Uucp: ...{gatech,ames,rutgers}!ncar!noao!asuvax!stjhmc!250!416!David.Atkinson Internet: David.Atkinson@f416.n250.z1.fidonet.org