This blog aims not only to make people laugh, but also to inspire others, instill positive values...in short, to make this world a little better, a little happier. This blog is meant to bless (in my own little way) all those who read it. It's my way of saying "I love you more and more".
Last Sunday, I had a wonderful opportunity to listen to two homilies on TV - one on Channel 5 and the other on Studio 23.
But before I tell you about either one, I have to inform you first that the previous day, a friend of mine suggested that I watch "The Last Lecture" on YouTube. It was given by a college professor, Randy Pausch, diagnosed to have terminal cancer. So he gave a last lesture in his university and wrote a book of the same title. The book became a bestseller as it talks about having fun, going back to one's childhood dreams, never giving up, etc.
Well, that gave me a wonderful idea! Why don't I write books that will surely be bestsellers so I can help pay for my medical expenses! I was so excited! Already, I was thinking of finishing my long overdue book, "Mission:Possible!" plus at three more: "Something More to Thank About", "Things I Learned from Loved Ones, Friends and Strangers", and "Fit for God".
But when I listened to the first homily the following day, the priest talked about bestsellers and I was convicted! The story goes this way. A writer died and went to heaven bringing a wagon of his best-selling books which were many. He was waiting by the pearly gates, confident to gain entry. Comes an old woman with a wagon with even more books. Curious, the writer asked if the woman was also a writer. The woman shook her head and said she could neither read nor write. All she did was take care of babies not her own but her nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
So why all the books? The woman said she was just given the books to carry and asked the writer the favor of reading the titles of the books. So the writer read out the title of each book and it turned out that each book was about every single baby that the woman took care of and what became of them. Baby Arthur, now a barrio doctor. Baby Juana, now a mother of a special child. Baby Lita, now a sister of the Missionaries of Charity and so on.
Guess who got admitted inside heaven?
Of course, that does not mean that I will no longer aim to write bestsellers but it is more important that my life touch many people so these people could change for the better.
Second homily was by my favorite priest, Fr. Mario Sobrejuanite. He talked lengthily about the movie "Vertical Limit". He said that it was about mountain climbing and vertical limit is that limit where going up becomes extremely dangerous and life-threatening.
Anyway, to make the long story short, the story is not only about courage but also of sacrificing one's lives for others. I am reminded of the song, "In the evening of my life, I shall ask this question - was I brave, and strong, and true."
I would like to think that I am not yet in the evening of my life but then...why wait for evening when we can do the sacrificing now?
Today, I went with my mom to see Dr. Edward Wang for a second opinion. He confirmed the diagnosis after seeing my work up papers. And he asked that I undergo full body X-rays as baseline to check later on my medications are working.
Then, my friend Tina Bonoan fetched me. We heard mass in Sanctuario de Antonio Church in Forbes Park. Then we went to see our friend Andy whose close friend is "Fr. Do" also known as Fr. Fernando Suarez, the famous healing priest.
Fr. Do asked me what my illness was. I said, "Cancer of the bone." What stage, he asked. I said "Stage 3". He asked when my treatment will start. I said "Thursday." Then he said "May pag-asa pa" while holding my hand. He asked that my picture be sent to him. So Andy took my picture and sent it right away to Fr. Do.
So there you have it. Two opinions. A bone cancer specialist confirming the diagnosis. A healing priest saying "There is hope."
Last night, for the first time since I learned that I had cancer, I shed tears. But I could not cry out loud because I was lying right beside my mom and I didn't want to alarm her.
Why did I cry? Not out of self-pity. Not because of the pain. But because I was thinking of my son, my poor son. I cannot bear the thought of leaving him. How will he take it? How will he feel not having me around anymore? My poor, poor son! I love him so very much! More than anybody else in this world.
I also cried for the loved ones I will be leaving behind. I want to continue loving and serving many many people.
But then by the way I'm talking, it's as if I'm giving up already. No, I will fight this battle. I will win this war against cancer. One big FIGHT!
I number of people have suggested that I ask family and friends for financial assistance. Even if I am ashamed to do it, the fact remains - I want to live a long life, as long as I have stuff to do here on earth.
So I started talking to a few friends. It started with just one classmate who is also sick. She called up another batchmate who asked for details of my mom's bank account so the "local" classmates can start depositing their donations.
Then she asked me if I have relatives in the US whose bank account we can use for our batchmates to deposit their cash donations. Things are starting to happen and I am already claiming the miracles!
A funny thing happened. While I was talking to this friend over the phone, I said I felt flattered that she preferred to talk to me than watch Manny Pacquiao's fight with Ricky Hatton. "Oh you don't know yet?" Turns out, she knew the results as early as in the morning! She was tuned in to radio.
So I learned from her before seeing the actual "killer punches" that Pacquiao would win on the second round. I am as thrilled as the rest of the Filipino nation! Our hero!
Then, a thought occurred to me. What if I knew in advance what would happen to me? Would God be any less glorified? Will my life be just as inspiring as people say these days now that I'm faced with another trial?
Life is not a Pacquiao vs. Hatton fight. I cannot know in advance that I will actually win over cancer on the "second round" or the seventh or the last. All I know is that faith wouldn't be faith if I always knew everything in advance.
When people learned about my having bone cancer, I got different reactions...
...some were speechless and at a loss for words
...some shed tears copiously ("humagulgol")
...some quoted Scripture and gave words of inspiration
...some were optimistic and said it's a win-win situation (if I survive, God will be glorified; if I don't, I will meet our Creator sooner than expected)
...some were sympathetic, saying that cancer of the bone is the most painful of cancers
...some gave practical advice: take certain products, get a second medical opinion, start a fund-raising drive for my medication
...some offered financial assistance
...some tried to laugh it off
...some believed that I can overcome this trial since I have gone through a lot in life already
Various reactions but ALL of them said, "We will pray for you". I believe in the power of prayer. My life is testimony to what prayer can do. God listens when we pray and since I have soooh many prayer warriors, I know that much good will come out of this. Just you wait and see.
Hi I'm Nimia. Just turned 50. Single again. Not desperately seeking (but secretly longing). Notorious for my corny jokes. My mission in life is to be a joyful instrument of God's love and a loving instrument of God's joy through TAWASSS - teaching, appreciating, writing, affirming, speaking and serving with a smile.
I just came from a 3-day stay at the hospital (Kidney Institute) for blood transfusions and my first treatment of Velcade.
Fr. Do asked me what my illness was. I said, "Cancer of the bone." What stage, he asked. I said "Stage 3". He asked when my treatment will start. I said "Thursday." Then he said "May pag-asa pa" while holding my hand. He asked that my picture be sent to him. So Andy took my picture and sent it right away to Fr. Do.
Last night, for the first time since I learned that I had cancer, I shed tears. But I could not cry out loud because I was lying right beside my mom and I didn't want to alarm her.
Then, a thought occurred to me. What if I knew in advance what would happen to me? Would God be any less glorified? Will my life be just as inspiring as people say these days now that I'm faced with another trial?
I believe that everything happens for a purpose.
