Twenty years ago I was a volunteer at the Boston Living Center, a community center for people living with HIV and AIDS. I can’t remember now how I first heard about the BLC. I do remember having some extra time the summer before my senior year. I met with Ron, the volunteer manager at the time, and for a few weeks before my summer job started I helped with the lunch program. Then that fall, a couple of days into my senior year, I found out that in addition to the community service we had as a school requirement, I would have the opportunity to go back to the BLC as part of a school assignment for my social justice class. I was to volunteer a set number of hours directly serving a population in need writing periodic reflection pieces. I know I went over the specified number of hours.  I also know continued well beyond the time frame of the project. Once I was there, it was a place I couldn’t stay away from.

I became a regular Monday night dinner volunteer. I was great at set up and serving (mostly) but I was lousy at clean up. Lorraine, who I remember vividly as the Monday night dinner volunteer coordinator, told me that sitting, eating and talking with BLC members and guests was often more important that cleaning up. I learned everyone has a story and every week I did my best to listen.

Without question, I am the person I am today because of what I learned at the BLC.

Every year the BLC hosts an event called Celebration of Life. It is an opportunity to give thanks for another year of life appropriately held at Thanksgiving time. Members and their guests dress up and are treated to a Thanksgiving dinner at the Hynes Convention Center. The event predates the BLC. It was begun by Peter Daniel Clark in a church basement. It grew over the years to serve hundreds of people and now has sponsors, entertainment, celebrity servers and a fundraising opportunities. I think I volunteered at three Celebration of Life dinners in high school and college. Then work, life and kids took over. Every year I think about the spirit of the event, the friends I made, the staff that worked tirelessly to make the event happen and hope that someday I would be able to go back and give back again.

This year it happened- twenty years from when I started as a volunteer I walked back in the Hynes Convention Center for this year’s Celebration of Life Thanksgiving Dinner.

One of my dear BLC friends, Alfredo, received an award for his advocacy on behalf of people living with HIV/AIDS. During my time at the BLC, Alfredo was the membership coordinator and then director. He went on to be a part of the BLC Board and work for other HIV/AIDS organizations. The award is in memory of Peter Daniel Clark. I wanted nothing more than to be there for his special night and show my appreciation for all he taught me. Also honored at this year’s dinner was Michael, who will be retiring from the BLC after 20 years directing the meals and nutrition program.

My volunteer job for this year’s dinner was social media. It was great. I walked around and took pictures, quoted speeches and took in the celebratory atmosphere. A lot of faces have changed. But I got to see some old friends too- Ron and Michael, Shawn, Kristine and of course Alfredo. I also had the chance to think about friends not there and reflect on their friendships.

Thanksgiving with my family was wonderful too. We have much to be thankful for. But after spending an evening celebrating with my BLC friends, I really felt thankful for all the experiences I have had. So many things have changed in 20 years but so many things- like the love in the room, the smiles and hugs- have not.  And for that I am very thankful.