2-82（在线收听）

82.

I went to East London, to Mildmay Mission Hospital, to commemorate its 150th anniversary andrecent renovations. My mother once paid the place a famous visit. She held the hand of a man whowas HIV-positive, and thereby changed the world. She proved that HIV wasn’t leprosy, that itwasn’t a curse. She proved that the disease didn’t disqualify people from love or dignity. Shereminded the world that respect and compassion aren’t gifts, they’re the least we owe each other.

I learned that her famous visit had actually been one of many. A Mildmay worker pulled measide, told me that Mummy would slip in and out of the hospital all the time. No fanfare, nophotos. She’d just drop in, make a few people feel better, then run home.

Another woman told me she’d been a patient during one of those pop-ins. Born HIV-positive,this woman remembered sitting on Mummy’s lap. She was only two at the time, but sheremembered.

I cuddled her. Your mum. I did.

My face flushed. I felt such envy.

Did you?

I did, I did, and oh, it was so nice. She gave a great cuddle!

Yes, I remember.

But I didn’t.

No matter how I tried, I barely remembered a thing.