My parents are the greatest and I have chosen to share them with those that are still afraid to tell their family about their
STD. I got herpes and HPV in 1985 and was silent for over 2 years until I decided it was time to tell my parents. They were
beginning to think I was doing drugs or worse so I felt I had to tell them what was really going on with their little girl.
I will say this to those who think that their parents will turn from them and more that thought is not true. My parents gave us
the Leave it to Beaver type of life. My mom stayed home and my dad was the bread earner. If anyone would have freaked and
shunned me it would have been them in my thoughts. We did not speak openly about sex in our family just the normal times when
families do.
I am very lucky to have the wonderful family I do have since I have told them about my herpes and HPV they have been right
beside me. My parents even said to me that: "They, too have had the viruses since they have had it through me and what was
going on in my life. They have watched what being silent did to me with hiding from my STDs."
Parents really only want one thing from you and that is to be happy! My parents are very proud of what I am doing to cause
a change in the perceptions about STDs. My Dad even calls me the "Mother Teresa of STDs" to his friends on the golf course.
My Mother is my sounding board and has given me much strength by just listening and not judging me for what I am doing with
this new career.
So this is my tribute to my parents, Fred & Marie Pollak!
Mom and Dad without your strength and good values you have instilled in me I would not be doing this wonderful career and
assisting so many to find their own strength.
Dad, your letter on LoveMarisa.com has inspired many to tell their parents and/or to find strength in knowing they, too
will be loved. I thank you for answering all those that write to you from that page! I do know that with each word you
type someone else gets to share having a parent such as you that does care and accepts them STD and all!
Mom, your always being there for me when I needed someone to talk with just about anything is the most precious gift you
have given me besides going through such labors just to get me into the world....I was 2 weeks late and breach to boot....LOL.
My Mother passed away on March, 27th 2004, she was always there for me and was proud of the work I have done with STD awareness. I miss her deeply since she was always my rock. The one person that always loved me no matter and gave me the strength to keep going on. She was the best Mother anyone could have ever had and I am proud to know that she was mine.
I wrote a poem to my parents in 1996 which I now will share with the world!
Parents
Parents, there are few that know the happiness I know.
Two parents that are always there to love, support, challenge and protect me.
How lucky I am to have you, two!
How lucky I am, yes indeed.
No matter where I am near or far....
You should always know; "I love you both more than words could say!"
I wish the world could share in what I have.
Two parents, who will always be there in my heart, my mind and my soul forever.
I love you both, Mom and Dad!
xoxo
This poem has now rang true since I am getting to share them with the world!!
God Bless you all and find that strength since telling is the best medicine since secrets just eat you up inside!
~Marisa ~
My Tribute to My Wonderful Parents... Since Without Them I Would Not Be Me!
