Finding Light in Darkness: Myra’s Love Letter to Herself 

Myra Franks, 
September 2023

My Beautiful Soul, Myra.

I want to start by telling you how proud I am of the incredible journey you’ve undertaken. Life hasn’t always been easy, and I know that you felt scared, alone, and uncertain when you received your diagnosis 22 years ago. You thought that giving up might be the best option, but I’m here to tell you that you made the right choice to keep going. You are stronger than you could have ever imagined.

In those early years, you were scared, scarred by fear and uncertainty. You felt isolated and alone, living in a world that didn’t fully understand or support you. But over time, you found resilience and strength within yourself that you never knew existed. It was a journey of self-discovery, and you learned that you could advocate for yourself and others. You became a bold advocate, willing to stand up for what is right.

You found a supportive healthcare team in your community who held you together when everything seemed to fall apart. They became your pillars of strength, and I’m grateful for their presence in your life.

As a black cisgender woman living with HIV, your journey has shaped your understanding of love, self-acceptance, and community support. You’ve discovered the power of connections with women who share your experiences. They’ve been your sisters, your confidantes, and your source of inspiration. They’ve shown you that love, acceptance, and community are essential.

You’ve also learned that society can be slow to evolve, especially in some parts of the South. The stigma and judgment attached to HIV have held back progress. But your voice and your advocacy are helping to change perceptions. You’ve encouraged people to be more open-minded, to educate themselves, and to reject judgment in favor of compassion.

Your message of hope and empowerment is clear: “Don’t give up. Greatness is coming… Just know that every situation,— both the good & the bad will help you become the woman. The troubles will not last forever. You will find peace, and you will love yourself.”

Myra, you’ve come so far from that scared, isolated young woman you once were. Today, you are a fearless advocate, a source of inspiration, and a beacon of hope for others. Keep shining your light and touching the lives of those who need it most. You are a testament to the power of resilience, strength, and love.

With all my love and admiration,
Unstoppable Myra