Tuesday, August 07, 2012

The Road Less Travelled (or so I thought)

It's been more than a year since I got sero-converted. 

As discussed from my previous entry, it was an unexpected journey. The test was part of the annual physical exam. Voluntary. It just took a little convincing from a very good friend and an officemate to take it. And the rest as they say is history.

And so the journey to the road less traveled began. It did not disappoint, the road is narrow, cobbled and dusty. The first few steps felt like forever. It makes you feel like stopping and giving up forever and be stuck in that dark lonely alley. But there's a force within and a voice telling you to keep going and never give up. 

I have been walking on that road for more than a year now. I feel like I have been walking forever, sometimes I get tired. Especially when the road gets bumpy. It is still dusty and cobbled but eventually it gets wider. Along the road you will meet other travelers. They'll walk with you and make friends with you. They will share their stories and it's ok to share yours. For all you know, theirs is much worse than yours. And you draw inspiration from them. You help each other to reach your destination. Suddenly you realize the journey becomes pleasurable. You no longer notice the dust and the roughness of the road. You feel as if you are walking on a carpeted hallway. 

You also realize that you are not alone. There are a lot of wonderful people who will help you out. Walking side by side with you. Those who have walked and travelled this way before will help you out, leaving signs and marks to make it easier for you and for those who will soon start their journey after you. Yes, the road is bumpy, there will be a lot of twists and turns but you’ll get by. As the song goes, you’ll get by with a little help from your friends. In my case, I have met a lot of wonderful people from twitter. It started with a small group, and the numbers grew each day. Amazing people. Wonderful people. People whom you can draw strength when you feel weary. People who make you smile. People who make you realize that you can still make a difference despite of the virus. People who help you move on. 

This made me think, this road has been travelled to a lot of times already. A lot of people have been here. A lot has set foot on this road. This road less travelled is actually just a road less talked about. And I see no reason why we should be mum about it. Share your journey. Share your experience. Speak and be heard. Listen and learn. 

I am glad that I was able to experience this. This is one hell of a journey, and I will enjoy it while it last.

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