Child Misunderstands Meaning, Seriousness Of "HIV Positive" Diagnosis

AP - Last week, little Billy Shumaker, 6 years old, was undisturbed by the news brought home by his father, Canton resident William Shumaker, who told his wife that his test for HIV came back positive.

Billy, who was playing spaceman in his parents' closet at the time, misunderstood the importance of the senior Shumaker's revelation.

"Daddy said that he was positive and my teacher Mrs. Murphy said that we should always stay positive, because it's bad to be negative. I'm glad Daddy is positive."

Daddy says he probably got positive one day when Mommy went to work overnight at the hospital, and one of his friends came over. Billy remained in the closet during the ensuing argument, confused as to why Mommy was not thrilled at the prospect of being just as positive as Daddy.

"Daddy must have really wanted to start a band. He told Mommy that he called his friend over because Mommy hadn't played sax with him for almost a year," said Billy. "But he did say he was much happier after Mr. Kraft played Daddy's flute. I never heard them play, though. I just heard them singing really loudly in the bedroom."

Daddy's case is typical for those of HIV patients. Drugs can help treat the illness but as time progresses the prognosis is nearly always grim.

"Daddy said the Doctor told him his nose was Grimm, like the stories Mrs. Murphy read to us last week. Daddy must be happy because his nose is magic."

Billy's assumption was reinforced after Mommy angrily shouted that she was sorry for "marrying a fairy."