This photo was taken in Zimbabwe sometime in the 80’s – approximately 1985 or so (either my Mom or Dad took this photo). I was in junior high school at the time we visited Africa. Emma, the woman holding the baby, worked as a housekeeper for The Swifts (our family friends). I had no idea at the time this photo was taken, both Emma and her son (whom she named Nomore, because she told us one baby was enough) were HIV+ . Emma was infected by her boyfriend, and Nomore was born HIV+. Since it was the 80’s, there was very little information on AIDS prevention, and there were no drugs available to slow down the progression of the illness.
Although they looked healthy and happy, it wasn’t long after this photo was taken they both died of AIDS.
Here is more information about the virus from the Canada Aids Society. Please be sure to take care of yourselves, and each other.
Thanks to my mom for sending me this photo. I hadn’t thought of these two in a very long time.
I’m not sure the Christmas Bandit is the smartest fellow. As pointed out in the previous post by the ever alert Mike Browne, he does have keys. So why bother with a grappling hook?
Perhaps he’s just fallen to peer pressure – all the other bandits have one, I should get one, too. Mind you, grappling hooks are pretty cool. Superheroes like Lego Batman and Lego Robin use them and, according to Wikipedia, it can be used as a weapon, rather than just another way to hoist yourself up the side of a building. That could come in handy. Maybe the Christmas Bandit could use it to keep other bandits away from stealing his keys and just walking in to whatever building they are for and taking whatever they want.
Another item in today’s box with the #2 on it – an empty briefcase. I’m sure it will soon to be filled up with loot from some illegal activity.
As you can see, I have included tomorrow’s little box in this photo – just a little hint of what the future will bring. Hopefully it will include some Christmas content.