2007 Reflections and looking into 2008

2007 is at an end and 2008 has begun. I look back at 2007 and reflect what transpired and look into the future with optimism and wisdom gained.

 

Well after been unemployed for over a year and resigning myself from my calling working with different NGO’S and skills companies as my personal funds ran out. I was depressed as I could not continue with the work I loved most.

 

But, my partner stuck by my side and a new door opened. I started work and was able to afford new glasses and that is I have to wear two different ones for reading and normal where. Well the older you get, one has to accept these things. Had dentures made and for the first time in more than 25yrs, I could smile again. Time and time again I could not have my teeth removed due to my CD4 count been low and my viral load to high and constantly riddled with infections.

 

Finally after a month, going week after week to have teeth removed not to cause to much stress, they where all out. Besides the pain and agony and discomfort I looked forward to having a smile again.

 

As we have government hospitals here, I was told that I had to wait up to a year for dentures. But thank god that I had a job I could save and pay off my dentures which I still owe money on.

 

Then the car accident which almost took my partner and my life earlier this year. We survived direct impact from a car travelling at about 120km an hour which pushed us across four lanes. The last thing I remember was the lights of the car before impact and my last words where to my partner, “I love you!”

 

It took a few months to recover and I still am from back problems with my partner.

 

Then just recently, I became ill again and recovered and I am in good health.

 

I have a good job it might not pay as well but it has given me my dignity back.

 

I know that 2008 will bring new challenges and hope and that I will be able to overcome all things.

 

To all those who have gone through similar things and may be going through them now, don’t give up! I have faced injury, infection and almost death.

 

Through the grace of god and his loving kindness I am here with my partner who loves me very much. Without his support and understanding I have overcome.

 

So with great anticipation I look forward to 2008

Peace On Earth

Well guys it’s my second day of leave and it’s great, it’s the first time that I have had the time to spend quality time just not with my friends but my partner too. My wish is that all things will come into place for 2008 and that we will move onto greater challenges with zeal.

My Gift

To all those out there who are HIV+ or have friends that are. I will always be there for you. On the 15^th of December I celebrated 17yrs of living with HIV. My message is that no matter what you are going through, you can make it!

 

Never despair but hold on and keep on going. I will always be there for those who are in need. All you have to do is either call me or email me and I will respond to you!

 

If I can survive the past years then so can you.

 

Live life – my life is dedicated to empowering those with HIV in all aspects.

 

Have a Merry, Merry XMAS and propersous healthy 2008

 

Mark Farrell

The Rose Of Life © 1994-2008

Eternal Friendship - 2008 Message Of Hope

Eternal Friendhip my first poem
I wrote this during the HIV/AIDS conferance in March 1995 called
Eternal Friendship
True friendship comes from the heart and remains with one until all eternity.
Yet, it is the strength and bondage of hope of love and understanding of each other, that makes us friends (life partners, lovers, husbands, wives and so on)
My hope is, that our bond will last through all trials and tribulations,
Let our strenth be that of a Lion and our hearts, that of a Lamb.
Let each of us be each other's strength in the times to come and endure all to come with integrity and loyalty.....
For you are my friend....
Mark Farrell
The most blessed thing to ever happen to me was the deep spiritual gift God gave me. To share with others His love and understanding. I have been very ill and am in good health at the moment. But, I have been through so much and will endure all and empower all those around me with every fibre of hope that I have through the inner strength I have.

Off to work

Well its 7:39:06 AM and I am on my way to work. It’s a blessing to be able to be productive. Sadly this year we wont be having the XMAS we expected with little money we will have to spend wisely as both of us are contract workers and only get paid by the hour.

 

But the best XMAS present I will have is having my partner with me on XMAS day. I still want to in the future go to India and to the poorest of the poorest nations and work with all those that are HIV+ and share and empower them with wisdom and love.

 

That is one of my dreams…my gift to those in need.

 

Unconditional love and service to mankind will take you along way. At present I do not have a computer (laptop) so I cant do many updates as my partner’s one is a bit old just like the one I had earlier this year which went into retirement with hard drive failure including the mother board. But, life must go on and that is the great thing about the ups and downs of life.

 

We fall and we get up.

 

Have a great day guys!

 

Mark

Through the past year I have gone through many trials and tribulations.

Although at times it seemed like the darkest hour had dawned upon my life, I endured and overcame all that came my way.

 

It’s the support I had from my partner and friends that brought us both through the tough times we have been through this year.

 

My message to all of you is no matter how dark and stormy life may be; there is light and hope through the love, support and understanding of close ones and friends.

 

Be true quality friends to each other and uplift those who are in need and be blessed.

 

Give of your inner being and essence and see the fruits that bare and the seed that you plant grow into a blossoming Rose.

 

My thanks and dedication is to you all out there! Be true to one another and live life to the fullest.

 

Best wishes for the Holidays and Merry Xmas to each and all

 

Mark Farrell

The Rose of Life 1994-2008 ©

Seasons Greetings All

To all those who have supported me over the years on this long journey through life and have grown with me. I wish you all the best in the coming 2008! MERRY XMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

This year once again has not been easy for me. Still trying to sell those paintings of mine. Thanks to my partner I am now working and trying to put back all the pieces. After my computer packed in I have not always had the time to update the blog and let you guys now how I am doing.

 

I believe that every challenge that comes your way is a learning curve and you acquire skills and wisdom not just for yourself but in return you can empower others who may come along the same path.

 

 

To all my friends

I would like to thank all my friends over the last year for been there for me. I cant update my blog as my computer packed in. Just one of those wonderful things that happen in life. I do have a life partner who is great to me. We are both HIV+ and living a healty life to the best of our ability.

I have to sell my art collection guys due to financial strain. Not working for such along time, but I am working now. Been in the car accident which thank god both of us survived.

No matter what has come my way, I have held my head up high and pulled through

Just wanted to wish you all Happy Holidays

Remember live life

43 and 16 yrs living with HIV

My dear friends,

On the 15th of August I matured to the age of 43! I celebrate my birthday and living with HIV for over 16yrs. If I can live with the virus and overcome the many obstacles that have come my way so can you. May life be an inspiration to you.

Live Life

Enhance those around you with love and compassion and be pro active in their lives and feel the difference take place in your inner being. Let your sunshine warm those who are cold.

Update Feb

I will update today at 22H00 and present my projects for the month Mark

Cell: 076 280 2833

" Our purpose is to serve others... and if you can't serve them, would you at least not hurt them?" Dalai Lama

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Update

Well guys its been some time now since I have done an update and will update you shortly about the past year. I have access now to update this blog and am in the process in creating a new blog which I will link with this one.

We are celebrating XMAS a special time of the year. I just wanted to wish you all a Merry Xmas and happy 2007!

love Mark