Not Your Typical HIV/AIDS Support Group

Snorkeling, a Mad Hatter Party, and dinner with what became 200 and more of my newest friends was not what anyone would think of as a typical HIV/AIDS support group. Neither is the location — hundreds of miles off the coast of the United States on the beautiful blue ocean near the exotic islands of Aruba, Curaco and Princess Cays.

In November, I had joined some I knew and many I didn’t in the 2011 Cruise Retreat. Although there were moments when we bonded emotionally, I can’t stop thinking about all the time we got to let loose, forget about being HIV-positive and have a ton of fun.

This event welcomed hundreds of HIV positive men and women, infected and affected, to the coast of Florida, where we began a journey we would never forget. Our first glimpse of each other came when gathered at a local resort. Our leader, Paul Stalbaum, and hosts welcomed each other and got the conversation started with introductions. It was also the first time those who chose to save some money and have roommates met their roommate. After the icebreaker infused some fun in the experience, we boarded our new home on the high seas.

Throughout the week we got to know each other at social and educational events, all of which were optional. I found that the more events I attended, the more this group began to feel like more of a family rather than friends I just met. Our mutual connection, “the recipe,” provided private times that our group attended. It was a great way to connect with other HIV-positive people who understand the challenges of being positive. And it was especially refreshing for me, someone from a rural town, to network with other positive guys.

Paul sets up private excursions for the group. An excursion is basically a tour on the island that we visit. It is generally action-packed and lots of fun. This year, one excursion took us snorkeling via a catamaran. We rode out into the blue seas and swam among all types of colorful fish, looked at wreckage of a ship, it was awesome. Did I mention drinks were on the house while on the catamaran? By the time we returned to land, we had forgotten about what we had had in common. The group was dancing, singing and just having a ”boatload” of a time.

http://www.advocate.com/Arts_and_Entertainment/Commentary/Oped_Not_Your_Typical_HIV_AIDS_Support_Group/

I went on one of these cruises back in 2007 (was also part of my healing process after losing David) I got to let my hair down and just be me for a week. I hope to go on another one this summer. Talk about energizing you life, this will do it.