Phil Michal Thomas was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Thomas, a behaviorist, has a Masters in Counseling. During the eighties, he lived in Atlanta, Georgia, for over a decade with the exception of one year in Brussels, Belgium. While in Atlanta, he volunteered with AID-Atlanta where he began his career in counseling and advocating for the rights of people living with AIDS.

        It was during the March on Washington D.C.where the suggestions were suggested for Thomas to compile living testimonies of several individuals he counseled. Initially, Thomas considered the concept as exploiting his clients. His clients thought otherwise. "People who wanted to give their life and their death meaningful significance so that others would continue to live and not repeat this fate. With the clear understanding and their blessings, I wanted to not only validate their painful last days but to acknowledge the deep rooted friendships they shared. Although there still exist a great deal of ignorance on this fatal disease, there is also hope in the horizon. Organizations such as Brothers United-Nashville under the leadership of Dwayne Jenkins, Nashville Cares, AID-Atlanta, Street Works, and various other service organizations continue to pound the streets to wake us from our slumber and apathy to educate us on how to continue to live amidst this dreadful disease that knows no specific age, color, race, sexual orientation, national origin, or creed. Places of faith such as Holy Trinity Community Church and Edgehill United Methodist Church have opened their arms to welcome everyone to God's table. We are reminded that we are people, including those living with AIDS, are 'cogs', children of God."

       Share the compassion and be a friend. Whether you know someone directly or indirectly living with AIDS, that same person is the same friend that you and I have known in our lives. Their memories forever engraved in the survivor's heart.

       Listen...listen to the stillness in the air. Listen to the silence of our friends and loved ones that have made their transition.

       "This is also dedicated to my wife Allissa as her memory lives through my heart, my own Duchess 'Erma', my daughter Melissa, partner Robert, twin Phyllis and my family. Last but certainly not least, of course, thanks be to God."