Early beginnings
One fragment from childhood—an early image from the life that would one day become a memoir.
Through love, grace, grit, and compassion
I SURVIVED
A true story of over 30 years surviving HIV/AIDS, brain injury, stroke-like effects, encephalitis, and depression.
A story of survival, loss, love, creativity, and finding rest in the midst of life’s uncertainties.
This memoir opens a deeply personal journey through illness, recovery, grief, devotion, and the surprising grace that can still emerge in the midst of hardship.
Welcome
A memoir that honors both suffering and the life that continues beyond it.
I SURVIVED is more than a story of illness. It is also a story of love, caregiving, resilience, memory, and the quiet spiritual depth that can emerge after everything changes.
The hope of these pages is simple: that someone reading them might feel less alone, and perhaps find a little rest.
Step Into the Book →Fragments of a life
Not every memory arrives whole. Some come as moments, images, and pieces carried forward by love.
These photographs offer a few glimpses into the larger journey behind the memoir—childhood, adventure, companionship, and the life that continued to unfold.
Love beside the journey
Cal’s presence runs through the story—not simply as witness, but as companion, caregiver, and beloved.
11 years together
Young, happy, and sharing a snowy moment at Trout Lake. Eleven years together in this photograph, with so many more memories still ahead.
Explore
Enter the story through the doorway that speaks to you.
01 / The journey
My Story
Discover the experiences, relationships, and turning points behind the memoir.
Read my story →02 / The memoir
About the Book
Learn about the book, its themes, and the truths that shaped its pages.
Explore the book →03 / The light
Hope & Inspiration
Reflections on healing, gratitude, acceptance, and being here now.
Find inspiration →Connection
Every story becomes more alive when it is shared.
If something in these words speaks to you, you are warmly invited to continue the conversation.
Get in Touch →