AIDS/HIV

A terrific piece in the Chronicle today, hidden away in the second section, on the 20th anniversary of the San Francisco General Hospital's AIDS Ward. Fits in nicely with the rest of their amazing pieces during their series, AIDS at 20, they had two years ago. Here's some striking quotes from today's article:

For all the friends I've lost, I've also gained.... I've got a book full of mothers I've met. We stay connected. I'm so sorry they've lost their sons. There are such beautiful women I've come to know....

We really lived through a very heavy time. It was almost like a war, losing so many young, otherwise healthy men...

Ward 5B also broke new ground in gay rights. Until then, Morrison explained, it was common practice for hospitals to exclude all but spouses and next-of- kin from visiting critically ill patients. "Gay partners were not recognized as such," he recalled. "We changed that. We redefined what a 'family' was."

I have a commitment to life. I cannot turn off the life force.