Through love, grace, grit, and compassion

I SURVIVED

A true story of over 30 years surviving HIV/AIDS, brain injury, encephalitis, and depression.

A story of survival, loss, love, creativity, and finding rest in the midst of life’s uncertainties.

This memoir opens a deeply personal journey through illness, recovery, grief, devotion, and the surprising grace that can still emerge in the midst of hardship.

Book cover for I SURVIVED by Richard Schooping

Your actual cover now anchors the site — powerful, golden, and unmistakably yours.

Welcome

A memoir that honors both suffering and the life that continues beyond it.

I SURVIVED is more than a story of illness. It is also a story of love, caregiving, resilience, memory, and the quiet spiritual depth that can emerge after everything changes.

The hope of these pages is simple: that someone reading them might feel less alone, and perhaps find a little rest.

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Fragments of a life

Not every memory arrives whole. Some come as moments, images, and pieces carried forward by love.

These photographs offer a few glimpses into the larger journey behind the memoir—childhood, adventure, companionship, and the life that continued to unfold.

A childhood photograph from Richard's early years

Early beginnings

One fragment from childhood—an early image from the life that would one day become a memoir.

A smiling photo of Richard with Cal

Love beside the journey

Cal’s presence runs through the story—not simply as witness, but as companion, caregiver, and beloved.

Richard and Cal celebrating 25 years together

31 years together and going strong

This photo celebrates 25 years together. Today, we are 31 years together and going strong.

Explore

Enter the story through the doorway that speaks to you.

01 / The journey

My Story

Discover the experiences, relationships, and turning points behind the memoir.

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02 / The memoir

About the Book

Learn about the book, its themes, and the truths that shaped its pages.

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03 / The light

Hope & Inspiration

Reflections on healing, gratitude, acceptance, and being here now.

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Connection

Every story becomes more alive when it is shared.

If something in these words speaks to you, you are warmly invited to continue the conversation.

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