BBC News - Tuesday, 30 November, 2004

Mally, 53, lives near the town of Nelspruit in South Africa. Last year he told us about his full life with his Swazi foster child Fanikie. One year on, he updates us on the past twelve months.

Things have at worst remained the same, although I can say that life is generally improving both for my foster son Fanikie and I.

Our home now feels like home, a good place to be - comfortable.

My garden is now honestly a treat to be in thanks to a friend, an incredible nurseryman, who lets me buy so many special plants at cost.

I am healthy as an ox!

I have lost a little weight, but this I attribute to the hefty garden work.

My medications have remained the same since diagnosis.

I am sure it will change some day, but for now, it ain't broke so why fix it.

My HAART medications are perfectly suited for me as the last blood work I had done proves: CD4 960 and Viral Load <50 (undetectable).

I never skip my medications and still maintain that a positive attitude does as much as medication, if not more for one's state of health.

I now smoke less than 40 a day so not as heavily as before (60 per day).

I would love to give up and stay off them though.

Loss of a friend

Sadly I lost an inspirational friend to Aids this year.

My friend Maria was a simple yet uncomplicated, hard-working and grateful African woman - one that would melt into an African market, not stand out, yet one that was so much bigger, wiser and more capable than anyone I have ever known.

One day we shall sit on empty Coca-Cola crates in Heaven and continue chatting, but until then I will strive to emulate her perfect example.

I have made phenomenal friendships through the net.

Freda in Canada is a genuine angel and we correspond almost daily. Mike from Arkansas is also a dear friend.

As is Heidi, Bob, Rou, Jackie, Margaret, UK Steve, Texas Steve, Jeanne in Montana and Clive from Johannesburg.

We talk about all the things that affect our lives, whether HIV-related or not.

We share and support each other like one great big digital family.

They unconditionally accept me warts and all and we have plans to meet in Canada in 2006 for the HIV/Aids conference.

Realising our dreams

The only fly in the ointment is how I will get the money for mine and Fanikie's ticket!

Fanikie remains the apple of my eye. He gives me so much love and support.

Fanikie's girlfriend often visits and we have a ball, cooking and watching TV.

Life is wonderful and my little family, as odd as it may seem to many, is just perfect for us.

We are still trying so very hard to win our National Lottery as it is the only way that we will ever get to travel and realise our dreams.

But should that never happen we have tomorrow and the unknown blessing that comes along with it, always unique and always exciting.

041130
BB041127

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