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Once upon a time...

Written by Dorothy Ghettuba

Friday, 01 August 2008

Once upon a time, death and dying made sense, you died because you were old, you died because some lunatic ran a red light, you died because a snake bit you, you died because your heart arrested. People died in a myriad of ways and obituaries made for an interesting read...

1st August 2008
Toronto, Canada.
6.17am

Once upon a time, death and dying made sense, you died because you were old, you died because some lunatic ran a red light, you died because a snake bit you, you died because your heart arrested. People died in a myriad of ways and obituaries made for an interesting read. Those days are gone. The world has changed. Pockets of the earth have become the ground zero of human suffering. We now have AIDS.

Once upon a time I used to be all packed and ready to travel at least 72 hours before a trip. I was young and enthusiastic; I also had a lot of time in my hands. Those days are gone. The world has changed. I have things to do. I am busy – at least that’s what I tell myself.

I am off to Mexico City for the 2008 AIDS Conference. It’s been a couple of years since the 2005 AIDS Conference where I marched the streets of Toronto in solidarity with African grandmothers, global leaders, social activists, Alicia Keys and the media who were tripping over themselves trying to get a perfect shot. Not of the eighty year old grandmother looking after her 10 grand children, not of that historical moment, but of Alicia Keys because lets face it she does photograph well.

I was not a pop star nor was I a grandmother (and heaven knows I don’t photograph well). I did not for second think I am a global leader and I was not entirely sure if I was a social activist and it seemed a tad pretentious of me to tag myself as one. But we all – regardless of who we were seemed so eager, so in charge and in agreement - a change had to happen. We smiled. We had faith in ourselves and in humanity. So we looked forward, marched forth and hoped for the best.

I have since learnt, hope, is not a plan.

Dorothy

Dorothy Ghettuba
		About the author:
		Dorothy Ghettuba is a Kenyan born, Canadian based writer, actress and singer. Dorothy studied Communications and Political Science at Andrews University in Michigan. She is an emerging writer/producer, showing promises of greater things to come. With several documentaries, one television show and film in pre-production, it is evident that her natural talent is her major asset. Dorothy is excited about bringing something new to the table by fostering collaborations/partnerships between African and Canadian Entertainment fields.

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written by LKJ , August 01, 2008

yes indeed- Hope is not a plan.

Looking forward to more posts from your trip in Mexico Dorothy.

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Looking forward to it too
written by Stephen Wanyama , August 02, 2008

Looking to hear from your Mexican trip, Dorothy. I am not sure it is not just me that's been out of the loop, but the HIV-AIDS message seemed to have been turned down, or drowned in the awesome din of nature's recent unkindness. The latest reports from back home suggest that this may be a costly mistake.

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action is what we need
written by Beatrice Goin , August 02, 2008

God bless all those who take time out of there schedules to educate others on HIV/AIDS. we all need to act in however small way it may seem

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thanks
written by Dghettuba , August 05, 2008

I will keep you updated...I am having some internet issues...but I will do my best...

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