The community of Palm Springs came out today to support the Desert Aids Project with their participation in the 20th Anniversary Desert Aids Walk.  My partner Jeff and I, went to Francis Stevens Park to support our friends who were participating in the walk. 

When we got to the park just before 9:30am, there were about 2000 people waiting to start the walk.  There were groups from the different real estate companies, families with their kids & pets, and others from all walks of life who came out to participate in this great cause.

It was a beautiful day, despite the smoke & haze from the fires in San Diego.  Jeff and I decided at the last minute to do the Walk.  We ran into local Palm Springs City Council Candidate, Sheila Grattan, who was out in full force with her bag of T-Shirts.  She gave us a couple of shirts to advertise her campaign.

As we were walking, I looking at the all the groups, and the messages & signs they were carrying.  Although we were walking for this particular cause, everyone around, including myself , was trying to get out their own message.  Whether it was advertising for a political candidate or for another cause, to me it seemed that message of trying to combat AIDS was getting lost. 

 I started thinking about the partner and all the friends that I have lost during the last 20 years.  I wanted to cry right then and there.  Everyone was having such a good time, not a care in the world.  I wanted to yell "What are you so happy about, this in not over!!"  I hadn't felt this way in a long time.

 I started thinking about the partner and all the friends that I have lost during the last 20 years.  I wanted to cry right then and there.  Everyone was having such a good time, not a care in the world.  I wanted to yell "What are you so happy about, this in not over!!"  I hadn't felt this way in a long time.

When we finished the walk, I came across a section in the park that had all of these pinwheels  stuck in the ground.  Being the curious person that I am, I decided to investigate.  I noticed that the pinwheels  had notes attached to them.  I kneeled down to read one of the pinwheels.  The note said "Eloy, we love and miss you".

The note touched my very soul.  People haven't forgotten what the Walk is all about.  It's about fighting to put end to this insidious disease and to remember the ones we have lost.  It's about living life to the fullest and being grateful.  Thank you everyone for reminding me.

Article also posted on BlogoftheDesert.com