Johna Reeves Platero
Willing to be Willing is the story of a few years in the life of Ken Reeves and Johna Gibbens Rickman Reeves. The story unfolds in a drug rehabilitation center and moves through 14 months of federal prison to the discovery of HIV/AIDS diagnosis. The many characters of this book reveal the consequences of using drugs, being promiscous and simply living only for the moment. The decisions made by Ken Reeves inspire hope, willingness and choices that benefit others.
Johna Reeves Platero co-authored this book with her husband Ken Reeves during the last several weeks of his life. Currently Johna Platero resides in Page, AZ with her son and husband where they are building an inpatient drug treatment center for Navajo youth.
Chapter One: The Meeting
Ken’s point of view
The buzz around the camp was all about the new person and as soon as I entered the lunchroom I was hustled aside, “Did you see her?”
“Who?”
“Someone new,” Brian whispered. “She’s a lawyer.”
“Hmmm.”
“She’s a redhead.”
Brian was the local gossip. He hated that name preferring to be known as the information director among the small group of men I hung out with at this place we called the “fun world.” He was 19, full of energy, himself and information. Brian was about 5’9”, 170 pounds with black hair and French roast colored eyes. He was bright and funny and I liked him a lot. “Did you see her legs?” I had not. “Man,” he sighed, “they’re something.” I was more interested now. “She doesn’t shave them.”
“Hmmm.”
Chapter Six: Our Move to Glory House
Ken shares
From the beginning of our thought to be involved, in service, with people who are HIV infected or affected we, Johna and I, promised one another some things we would not compromise. We promised that the service, the housing and programs would be good enough for our clients or friends and therefore good enough for us. We promised that we would absolutely not allow ourselves to become offended at our HIV friends, at our Christian friends, at people who ask hurtful questions or at other service providers. And, we promised that we would always partner with God. The problem of financial support we would leave in His arena. And, then we lastly promised that we would give our best to this work.
Chapter 8: So, What’s Next?
Johna shares
We left the mountain to return to Tucson believing this book was finished and the next phase would be one of change and wonder and impact. Ken was ill all the way down the mountain. There was a message that a friend wanted to talk with us about a research treatment for AIDS. Ken was better late that day and I asked if he wanted to hear about this treatment. It surprised me that he agreed saying, “These friends are trustworthy...
