I have never paid much attention to Aids day not because it has never affected me but I just didn’t take it personally. I think mostly it’s because I’m older and more compassionate and more empathetic than I have ever been in my life.  Recently I have been touched by this disease in the most personal way, at first I thought ” Magic Johnson has been HIV+ since forever” and he looks healthier now than ever. In that thinking I was convince my friend would have same  luck but after I found out, I have lost count of the the hospital visits. Every week my friend is making the hospital home but in keeping with the title of this piece, I thankful my friend is still alive. I dread the day I will answer the phone to hear the bad news, but for now keeping my fingers crossed. This thanksgiving i had a hard time thinking of things to be thankful for even though my my life has never been fuller but my friend was in the hospital again and it was sucking the joy the day. Just before we had thanksgiving dinner i was thinking about we  should skip the part about what we were thankful for and I was feeling down but then I thought about all the wonderful things I had in my life , including my friend. My friend might not be feeling thankful but i was, not only for their life but the past memories that will be forever. Just like we should all make the most of everyday because life is precious and we should make the most of our lives. Many people if asked if they would want to say goodbye to the people they love before they die most of us would want that, I’m thankful my friend can make peace and say all the things  to be said. Believe me when I say , I love my friend and treasure our friendship and I’m not ready to live my life without them but I can choose to make the most of this or be bitter and miss out.  It’s the time of the year to be thankful and jolly, that’s what I will do it might be the last Christmas I spend with my friend and I hope it’s not the last but the next day might be the last. The real sad part that I learnt through this experience is today could be our last day and if we don’t make the most of today we are the unfortunate ones because we will leave the earth with unfinished business. At the end of the day the obviously unfortunate are the fortunate ones , they might not feel the greatest physically but emotionally they are winners. Let’s be thankful for the people that make us live to the fullest, when these people can be thankful because of physical pain or discomfort, they are living well and being thankful for another day to make dying peaceful. I’m most thankful for my friend , you mean the world to me, I would not be here if it wasn’t for you and the memories I will hold in my heart forever. Thank you for asking for forgiveness , it the greatest step to my better life because when we forgive we benefit the most.