The ManicaPost
Tete Barbara From My Heart
When I was young, I made some bad choices because of the friend I had. I was reckless and irresponsible with my own life and today I am suffering the consequences.
Whenever I heard talk about abstinence, I laughed and bragged about getting an STI. My letter is probably going to be my only opportunity to give advice to young boys out there. Today, I am 38-years-old, a father of eight with eight different women, three passed away in their infant years and as I write I am in repentance.
I am one of the lucky few who did not get HIV even though I know that I should have contracted it. My life is in shambles, no job, no personal accommodation, no wife and nothing to my name.
My so-called friends have good lives and cars, but I am just a nobody. They can never lift up. A real man is responsible and respectful, hardworking and honest. I am picking up the pieces, but it is more difficult now that I am older but I will still try.
Tete Barbara Responds
Thank you for sharing a bit of your life with us. It takes true courage to acknowledge a mistake and more to use yourself as an example.
You have begun a journey that is admirable and I encourage you to keep moving towards your goal. Young boys need men like you who have experienced life to show them the way to go.
Take every opportunity to give help where you can and you will also find your help. Remember, it is in helping that we receive our own gifts too. Forget about those who have forgotten you, reach out to those who are willing and walk with dignity and loose the shame.
You are a survivor, a victorious man who carries a special lesson that can transform lives. Take a minute to rediscover what is important and what is possible then soar the skies. Do not forget your children they are a part of you.
Soar the skies.
