I entered my 30's with grace. An uncommon grace, really. I didn't go in kicking in screaming like Gwenn did before me. Nope, I held my head high.
Two and a half years later, and I still don't feel old. Hell, I'm just getting going. It wasn't until this weekend that I realized that I am ancient... why the sudden change in attitude?
Because I'm a museum piece.
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis just opened a display entitled The Power of Children: Making a Difference, and it features Ryan White and some cool RW artifacts, including a faux-locker that whispers when you open the door ("He'll spit on you.." "He has AIDS"... and other bad things) and items from his bedroom, which is recreated.
So where do I come in? Along with Mark Hoyle, I make up a section called "We Were There, Too". Check out pics below, and visit the official website of the Museum for more info!
Ryan White's room, and some info on the trailblazing thinblood and hemophilia.
This is slightly reminiscent of John Bender's locker from The Breakfast Club.
Rocking the Pac-Man t-shirt.
Despite my presence in a museum, I don't feel old. But I do feel fortunate to have made it. Mark Hoyle and Ryan White passed to spirit with so many other good positoids, and events like this just make it so obvious that I need to enjoy my life- which I do!- and go on with spreading the word about HIV/AIDS in their spirit. To continue the fight against ignorance in my own way.
So, if you're ever in the Indianapolis area, pop on in and check out the display.
Positively Yours,
Shawn
I was there, too. I was infected in 1987 and I didn't tell ANYONE for several years. I finally confided to a couple of my closest friends, swearing them to secrecy. I wouldn't let my family doctor give me an HIV test and didn't allow myself to be "officially" diagnosed until I finally became extremely ill in 1998. So stigma CAN kill. But I finally went public with my own HIV diagnosis and found it to be a very freeing experience. Today I'm a national activist. Striving to help others has also served to help ME!
Hey Shawn!
Thanks for this! You can bet I'll be taking my 7year old nephew when I'm back in Indy for the holidays. When I left Indy 21 years ago this would have never happened. I guess things are changing...slowly but surely!
Greg
I was privileged to have been able to visit "The Power of Children" exhibit, at the Children's Museum. It was during the first week of it's opening, and Ryan's mom, Jeanne, was there. She would say, "Welcome to Ryan's room," to everyone who passed by. What an overwhelming honor that was to meet her, and to be photographed with her.
Shawn, you are an inspiration! It's nice to know that all the heroes aren't in Heaven. There are still some walking around here on Earth.
Hello, my name is Arron Reedus. Please allow to present an idea I've had since, I first visited the Children Museum. GEN CON is an event of gaming epic proptions, yet it gives a taste of competition, but not a meal. The Children Museum offers a facility that can present the largest gaming competition in Indianapolis maybe even Indiana. Allow me to elaborate, the museum is broken up into sections vertically, the first level could be called the "Arena". If you survive to the semi-finals your title would be changed from Player(assigned number)to "Gladitor (with the same number).The Arena itself would be four to six 42 inch LCD screens where the heart of the competition would be played. This is where the semi-finals would held also and the number of screens should be reduced to add the feeling of elmination. Now for the final match for those two worthy gladitors would be held in the, "Coliseum or The Lilly Threater Screen". Best thing about the idea is you would'nt have to offer a cash prize just the title of "Greatest Gamer in Indiana". Thank You for allowing me to sharing my passionate ideal with your establishment.
Please feel free to contact me at arrontrue82@hotmail.com your input will be valued thank you.