I am so sorry, WH.
I saw a family member the night he died of AIDS, after not having seen him for somewhere around 10 years. It tore one of my relative’s life to shreds. There he was, a shadow of his former self, under a hospital blanket, full of morphine, his eyes all cloudy, and he knew me. It was all I could do to smile. Absolutely all I could do.
And that happened a long time ago now. But I can still see his eyes, and the tears he shed when he saw me.
Seeing something like that changes a person.
And it didn't have to happen. If society were to once again shun such behavior, it would be virtually non existent. Those who still engaged in it would be put back into the mental institutions where they'd be monitored and kept safe from themselves and others.
My son was gone from home less than year when he acquired HIV. He was immediately given an AIDS diagnosis because of his labs,and AIDS defining diseases.
We were called to the hospital while he was acutely ill. He looked procisely as you have described. He looked like roadkill, too weak to open his eyes, and having a real hard time breathing.
He was home with us one year adjusting to HAART, and regaining strength. The real killer was when he left home the second time, and sunk lower than ever.
I do not know how anyone could see your relative, or my son and wish this stuff on their worst enemy. I do not know why we do not have a major outcry against this plague on our people.
I’m sorry you had to go through that. I just don’t know what to think when I hear stories like yours. Put frankly, if I could, I’d cure that disease. Some might think it’s a justifible punishment, but other innocents get that disease too.