A Mother's Side of AIDS

To Whom It May Concern, To All Who Will Read This:

Where are the black faces of AIDS in this community? Are there any black people in Louisville affected by this disease? I say yes, there are many! Both men and women, to include our babies, teenagers, young and older adults. Who are these people? Look around you. They are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins, boyfriends, girlfriends, significant others, and those we only know in passing. The strange thing about it is they look just like you and me! Where do they live? Up the street, down the street, next door, around the corner, across town, in the suburbs, in the country, and yes, don't forget to look in your own house. AIDS is all around us and has been for a long time. It's only when we open our eyes, open ears and open our hearts do we acknowledge its presence.

I want to share my story about one of God's children, my son, Rothel Keith Covington. He died from AIDS on June 25, 1995, at the very young age of 32 year. He was in the prime of his life. Rothel was the kind of child who would make any parent proud. He was so full of life and brought joy everywhere he went! He had character, talent, a host of friends, a job that he enjoyed, but most of all, he knew the Lord and he knew how to love. If only you could have known him the way I did.

Rothel went to Shawnee High School in Louisville and later graduated from Eastern Kentucky University. He moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue a career in fashion design. There he became an AIDS activist with the Ryan White Foundation. Rothel returned to Louisville to put on a fashion show and the proceeds would be donated to an AIDS organization. This is just one of the many things Rothel participated in as a means of giving back to God and the community for all the blessings he had received. He loved Louisville and all the people he knew and met. My son was amazed at the warmth and welcome his hometown gave him. He often spoke of the tender hugs, sweet smiles and kind words people shared. They not only made Rothel feel good, but me as well.

When Rothel was unable to take care of himself, I stepped in and took care of my child, my fourth child, my baby boy, as any good mother would. I was constantly there until the day he died. I cannot put into words how much I appreciated the support from our family and circle of friends.

Now I am a mother with a mission. I'm speaking out about AIDS. My journey has not ended; it's just beginning. I pray everyday that no child or mother has to endure what I did. Not talking about AIDS will not make it go away. A passage from the book, Burden of a Secret, by Dr. Jimmy Allen, Pastor and former President of the Southern Baptist Convention says, "When revealed it would shatter forever America's illusion that AIDS could never happen to churchgoing middle America." Pastor Allen's daughter-in-law and two grandsons died from AIDS. Now one of his sons has AIDS.

On and on and on it goes. Take inventory, my friends. What has come from shame and silence through the valley of the shadow of death, and into the healing presence of God will come to pass you in life. I challenge everyone to learn more about AIDS and a new meaning of compassion.

Sincerely,

Geraldine

© 2005 SABSA Inc., All Rights Reserved.