August 26, 2016 a phone call required my attendance to the clinic. I drove there in Alex, my white Pontiac G6 GT. I knew what had happened because I acted it out in the hallway of the home I grew up in. I arrived to the clinic where I signed in and my name was called: Jay, come with me. I followed the nurse to the back and I was escorted to an office. You tested positive for HIV, she said. No outward reaction from me; I chose to look into her eyes as she recited my results so I could feel and receive the moment for the reality it was offering. I specifically remember the woman doctor leaning across the desk stretching her palms faced down towards me as she asked: are you depressed? I answered no. I was going to wait until August 26th came around again, though it feels relieving to come into the light. I’ve awaited this day. I’ve awaited for the confidence and the grit to live a shameless, wholesome life. Today that life begins. Cheers to 8, which represents infinity. The secret that has crippled me is now the wind beneath my wings. Dear Jay Webster Grishby, Jr. Shall we soar pass the heavens, beyond the universe? We shall, my good sir, we shall. Oh and lastly, I usually post my documentations in black and white; however, this had to be in living color. To truth, to honesty, to courage, to love, to acceptance, to value, to resilience, to reality, and to the life I deserve to live; cheers to reclaiming all the things. (Superstar stance accompanied with a big light show, sound effects, and a dramatic curtain close, the curtains are lavender with a suede like velvet texture). And scene. 🎬
