Mainemade,<BR> I didn't say I thought your friend was a cynic, I said I was one! I am sorry for your friend. Before you posted there was no evidence that this posting was truthful and others who have been here awhile, and have experienced various pranksters alluded to the fact that they also questioned the truth regarding the post, they just didn't come right out and say it. I am entitled to my opinion and my expression of it, just as everyone else is.I posted my opinion here, on Elad's posting, so as not to detract from your friends original post.<P>Orchid,<BR> The story you related is an urban legend. It's been circulating since 1986. Maybe your friend's brother was subjected to a cruel individual, whom HIV positive or not thought they might shake him up a bit,regardless,it's not funny.Your friend might be interested and find a bit of comfort in the website I note at the bottom of my post. You can check this out at the following website dedicated to debunking urban legends.<BR>It is <A HREF="http://www.snopes.com," TARGET=_blank>www.snopes.com,</A> the specific page to the legend you mention,which by the way is titled "AIDS MARY" is at the following address: <A HREF="http://www.snopes.com/horrors/madmen/aidsmary.htm" TARGET=_blank>www.snopes.com/horrors/madmen/aidsmary.htm</A> <P>[This message has been edited by mthrrhbard (edited July 16, 2001).]<p>[This message has been edited by mthrrhbard (edited July 16, 2001).]

Maine, I'm glad you cleared that up. You can never tell for sure over the internet, and they do tell you to be careful, and there are alot of BS stories floating around. I questioned it too after I read the posts of the doubters. So, I'm glad you came forward to let us all know this is real, so we can support your friend. I think even those who questioned the reality of the post feel for your friend, and now that they know it is true wouldn't want to hurt her. Be glad everyone was tactful enough to ask the question in another thread, right?<P><BR>Please pass on deepest condolenses for me, and I wish there were more we could do. Unfortunately I don't think this forum will help her much now, a local support group or counselor might be better for her. She is going to need alot of real shoulders to cry on. What a nightmare!!<P><BR>

Maine:<P>I've been thinking of your friend all day long. I'm glad she had the ability to reach out when she was in pain, and I hope she continues to do so. She'll need all the support she can get for some time now. How old is her son? I'll pray for him too.<P>Are there false positives in AIDS tests...(mind if I grasp at a straw here). I presume they will do a test for confirmation. How long has she known!<P>She did not say it, but I'm assuming that both her H and the OW were killed? What a waste of lives....and for what??? My heart aches for all those close to the situation. I'm glad she has a friend in you.<P>This is so much to digest. there is no sense in it.

I am just letting you all know she is home now. They got there late last night. I really do not have anymore information than that. She is at a family camp abd i know that her son wil be there today or tomorrow. Thank you for the support for Marie.<BR>Maine