Whenever
visitors come to the Namibia Red Cross, they are greeted by
an elegant young woman at reception. Livey Van Wyk Samaria looks
very healthy, despite all odds thrown her way. She has managed
to keep her head above hell-rising waters.
At 21 years old and living positively with HIV, Livey is married
with a husband and son, and well on her way, growing into a
phenomenal woman with great aspirations for the future.
“I was 17 and pregnant with my son when I found out I
was HIV positive. I lost my family and friends and I was not
even obviously ill. The only person who cared for me was my
grandmother, one can never imagine the fear I felt at the time.
Looking back, I do not blame anyone. People living with HIV
face stigma and discrimination because communities sometimes
do not know much about the disease,” says Livey as narrates
her ordeal.
Livey was born to a single mother in 1985 and is the second-born
in family of four. She describes her childhood as an ordinary
one with its ups and downs. “I had a lot of influences,
both good and bad. For instance according to my belief I knew
it was a sin to have sex before marriage, but I did it anyway.
I wasn’t rebellious. I was just young and uninformed.
Today I can say that. I have learned a lot in my life and that
has made it easier for me to bring up my son, especially when
it comes to issues of sexual behavior,” she says.
Her three year old son is the apple of Livey’s eyes, and
she clearly adores him as she says of him: “I am so happy
to have someone in my life, who encourages me to get up and
strive for the best. It hurts me to know that I am still unable
to provide entirely for his needs. But I can see he is a patient
little 3 year-old boy who loves me unconditionally.”
Currently, Livey in collaboration with UNICEF and Africa Groups
of Sweden is writing a book based on her life experience with
HIV. The book was written as a personal journal over a period
of 6 months and aims to share her experiences with the world
and how to live optimistically with HIV. “We should all
celebrate life! As long as you have life, embrace it. It is
a lot easier to enjoy every part of your day as if it was the
last, whether or not you have a terminal disease.” Livey
says proudly.
Livey will meet authors from all over world in Sweden later
this year, for the launch of her book. She is excited and says
“I have cried a lot of tears, but guess what? Today, these
are tears of joy.”
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Whenever
visitors come to the Namibia Red Cross, they are greeted
by an elegant young woman at reception. Livey Van Wyk
Samaria looks very healthy, despite all odds thrown her
way. At 21 years old and living positively with HIV, Livey
is married with a husband and son, and well on her way,
growing into a phenomenal woman with great aspirations
for the future. (p14463)
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