Eve Van Grafhorst

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Dear Evy,

I made this quilt to portray the way I see you. The colours represent the peace and tranquillity I saw in your face. They also portray the fun and zest for life and your love for everybody. The angel is you and the trolls are friends and family who watched you glide to your special place in heaven. I know your life is full of miracles and I know you watch over us all.

I don’t think I ever told you how proud of you I was. You brought all sorts of people hope and understanding of what AIDS is. You made people less afraid of what they didn’t know. Your life was filled with love and happiness and great adventure. When I spoke with you it was just amazing how one so young could have the knowledge of an ancient philosopher.

I remember once you offered me a bite of your ice cream. I bit it with great enthusiasm and then I remembered you have…..AIDS. I must have looked scared as I swallowed the ice cream, as you proceeded to look at me with a gentle smile and reassure me I would not contract AIDS. You said it with such force and understanding that I actually felt like a twit but I knew that you understood how I had felt for that split second. You really made people understand that they had nothing to fear from you or any other person living with HIV.

Well, Evy, I must sign off now but I do want you to know I think of you often and the memories I have of you I keep close to my heart.

Love you always,

Your cousin Lynette