A Memorial

David E. Beggs

         David E. Beggs
   March 8, 1955-March 14, 1996

A Letter From David...

I Have AIDS
      I would like to tell you that having AIDS has made me a much wiser person, but it has not.
      I would like to tell you that having AIDS has given me a sense of purpose in life, but it has not.
      I would like to tell you that having AIDS has made me a more compassionate, loving person, but it has not.
      I would like to tell you that having AIDS has enriched my entire world and made me more aware of the environment around me, but it has not.

      To give AIDS credit for any of the aforementioned, is wrong, AIDS does not give, it robs and depletes all of us, even those not directly affected  have had their entire world modified as a result of the AIDS Epidemic.
       The Mothers and Fathers of this world have been burying their children as a direct result of this disease for more than 15 years.  Thousands upon thousands of Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, Children and Siblings, Cousins, Friends and Lovers have buried those they love the most, all the time maintaining the silence, pretending that their loved ones died of cancer, nothing to do with that other "Little Problem".
       All of this lying and denial, from the Reagan and Bush admisistrations clear down to the common people on the street to this very day have hindered the cause.  Parents that think they can isolate their children from the realities of this world, school administrators, politicians, and religious leaders that are afraid to cross new boundaries have jeopardized the health and welfare of our most valuable asset,  Our Children.

      I will tell you that having AIDS has dramatically changed my world, my entire existence, I have fought day after day, year after year, I have fought bigotry, prejudice and ignorance.  I have been insulted, embarrassed and threatened.  I have been completely humiliated.  I have tried to serve my community and yours to educate and enlighten.  I have not done this for myself.  For me  the reality is that it is too late, I do this for you and your children, for a better world and hopefully an improved future.
       My time is nearly gone now,  what will you do?  Will you fight? Will you hide?  Will you deny?  Or will you have the courage to educate?   

    As wise friends once said,
  "And Life Goes On"
     David E. Beggs
    January 1995