FatJoey, I understand you. I understand how much you hated immorality. The desire of our flesh is wearing us down but I learn a lot from the testimony of this man. Sometimes it is willed that one must pass through the ugliest, darkest corner of his life in order for him to be able to appreciate the boundless beauty of light. One thing I appreciate with this man is that he never even talk about religion yet his struggle inspires my spirit. It's diffecult for one to pick up the pieces and put them back togethere, but this man discovers even more facinating things in life and portrayed a much vibrant picture out of the shattered image he once had when he lost his balance. Fatjoey I take this opportunity to thank you for paying your taxes honestly. Without such honesty there would have been no medical care to help those who are truly in need. FatJoey, like you I hate sin. But the determination of one person to correct the wrong he has done inspires me to love sinners. Thank you.
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A Survivor's Tale
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But aside from all of these wonderful things, I was still having trouble getting my work life in order. Due to company downsizing, I became unemployed from a job in Internet advertising in the latter part of 2006. That meant having to find a job that would fit into my already complicated lifestyle. I had been through this before. After a 10-year stint in the Navy, I went directly to work as a dental-lab technician. I tested HIV-positive shortly afterward and began having severe problems with Reiter's Syndrome (a disorder that causes inflammation throughout the body), which eventually placed me on disability. This was my first change.
The company I worked for rehired me from disability and created a position in administration and support that eventually led to management. But the stress from the job and the many toxic chemicals and powders I was surrounded by began to affect my health. My doctor advised me to find work better suited to my condition. I took his advice, and found my job at an Internet advertising firm, where I was eventually able to work almost completely from home. This was my second change.
My new job allowed me to meet my personal and financial needs, but I knew that I needed more education to help give me an edge. I was not too sure about going to school at my age; I knew that many had done so successfully before me, but I also understood the commitment and the financial sacrifices that had to be made. Being laid off gave me the push I needed.
So once again, I changed my long-term goals. I began going to school in the summer of 2007. Going back to school has not been an easy task, but it has been challenging and rewarding. My health is maintaining well and my immune system is much stronger, so I've missed very little class time due to sickness. Furthermore, my GPA is in the top 3 percent of the school, even though I'm working 20 to 25 hours a week at a fast-food restaurant.
In 2009, I will graduate and find appropriate work. Of this I have no doubt. But it does not end there. I have goals of continuing my education beyond this point, after this phase of change is completed. The support I've received from professors and teachers and my fellow students has been unlimited. These young students especially--the majority of who are younger than my children--have brought new and fresh ideas to my life, an experience I had long forgotten.
All of these people, and all of these events, are passions in my life. Personally, I believe that this is the highest component for survival. Passion for life and what you love has to be carried in your pocket every day. It is the one essential item you need for survival. I have many passions that I carry with me. My love of my family and friends, education, music and writing are some of the things that never leave my side. Passion has become my companion. Passion is the fuel for a survivor. When you lose your passion for life, you have lost the race. I know that I am not alone in this. There are many out there who are facing so much more than I. A survivor never stops running until he's crossed the finish line. I challenge you to find your passion and run alongside me.
Fulcher lives in Imperial Beach, Calif.
© 2008
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