Before the clock strikes midnight
and everyone celebrates the dawn of another beginning, a new year, a new
journey, let me use this page to thank a lot of people who had made an impact
to me in one way or another. You never know how much joy you had brought me in
the midst of difficulties and sufferings I encountered this year. Although it’s
still 12 days before New Year and Christmas is just around the corner, I’d like
to take this opportunity to appreciate all your kindness, something that I know
I don’t deserve to receive from anyone else.
I’m a self-confessed choleric
with a straightforward personality and too much honesty to the point of
rudeness, so I don’t consider myself friendly or empathetic. Yet despite
myself I am overwhelmed with benevolence coming from all of you. I realized that
no matter who you are and no matter what you do, in times of trouble there will
be people who will genuinely support and give love without expecting anything
in return. You taught me that kind of compassion that I never ever given to
anyone before.
***
The start of year 2016 is not
very pleasant to me because I celebrated my birthday in the hospital and 2 days
prior that I was diagnosed with cancer. My happiness is beyond
measure with my friends and family celebrating the day I was born when
my mind is full of strange thoughts about dying.
My BFFs and Kumare Meg and Gen
My
officemates and friends who prepared the birthday surprise. Awww. So sweet. . .
My
family (L-R: nephew Brian, sister Lala, youngest niece Francine, my dear Nanay, nieces EJ
and Trisha. . . Insert my brother-in-law Henry, my brother Rolly, eldest sister Lorena, nephews Glenn and Gian and niece Faye who are not in this photo.
My
emotional distress at that time is more than the physical pain from the surgical wound, still I managed to smile from the bottom of my heart because of your
warm consolation. Indeed, it’s the best birthday celebration of my entire life.
***
The
last time my hair was cut short was in grade school (grade 3 to be exact),
so I feel dejected thinking about cutting off my hair to prepare for my chemotherapy. One of the saddest days of my life (arte lang).
***
I
can’t help but to have self pity when my hair started to shed. I can’t look
myself into the mirror and can’t even comb my hair afraid of what is about to happen, that everything will fall off instantly. I started to wear bandanas/scarves to cover the
shedding of my hair. Then I took a selfie and said to myself that beauty comes from our inner self, and the positivity that will make me glow in such brilliant
smile is up to me. Somehow I regained my confidence here.
***
I
shaved my hair entirely because it became difficult for me to style my hair and
it feels kinda itchy when covered with bandana/scarf. Then I struck a pose,
took another selfie while realizing that I still look good despite of the
baldness. This was not bad after all. I can still carry this type of hairstyle
I think. Haha!
***
It
was my 2nd cycle of chemotherapy and I was alone in the hospital
when my friend and sister in Christ Elena visited me with an interview for the
blog that she was about to write for me. I found it amusing but I’m so
touched when she was the one crying instead of me while doing the interview. I
felt so much love coming from her. The blog was really heart warming and informative.
Thank you so much Elena! Nag-feeling artista ako dito.
Visit
her blogsite for more inspiring articles and stories: http://elena-bithao.blogspot.in/
I
got another visit from Elena, this time it was with Karel at our home in
Bulacan. You will notice here that my eyebrows are starting to diminish. But
still happy to be with my sisters in Christ. Missing Kring, Maiah and Ate Ja.
***
We
have our family bonding some time in August. This time with my eldest sister
(Lorena). I’m in the last few cycles of my chemotherapy. I’m
getting fluffier here due to the effect of corticosteroid (type of steroids but
not the steroids used by some weight lifters. Hehehe) Look at my chubby cheeks!
I
love my sisters. Although I’m not expressive in terms of affection, but I’m so thankful
to them that they allowed me to become the most beautiful among us even only in
this photo. I know they are far more beautiful but they must admit I’m the
smartest. Haha!
***
At
last! The chemotherapy session is over. I still have other treatments but hair shedding is not one of the side effects. So my hair started to grow back. I’m in great delight! Wee!
Some said my new look suits me better. This hairstyle is giving off a fierce and sophisticated vibe.
Hmmm.
. . I still want to grow my hair long like this though.
Or like this
Well we’ll
see how it will turn out. If my hair strands cooperate even without
hair rebonding, I will grow my hair long.
***
After
months of isolation at home, I finally got back working at the office again by
September. Woohoo! I got to do the things I enjoy again and spend wonderful
times at work, dine out and parties with my colleagues.
Sobrang saya ko di ba? Hehehe.
***
My
travel restriction was lifted after chemotherapy so I was able to spend
BFF time with Meg and family in Tagaytay last November. Missing Gen here.
Yet to bond with all my lovely friends next year. I’m just so thankful that I can go out again in places without wearing a mask and worrying about fatigue. My strength comes from the Lord and the joy of healing is now happening.
***
Back to the place where everything started with my spiritual foundation, my spiritual family and my home church in Victory UBELT.
Catch up with my VG Leader April
***
I have shown those captured in photos for some highlights of the unmerited favor and love that I spent and
received from all of you this year. Other events and people might not be
mentioned here, but you know who you are. The encouraging messages, the
financial support and especially your prayers are adding a lot as an
inspiration for me to continue on the battle with victory in mind.
I
do hope that sharing my cancer journey this year with everyone had already gave
you a good representation of how wide and deep is the love of God for all of
us. But it does not mean you need to experience the same situation that I have
in order to appreciate it and witness His glory. Our God, our Lord Jesus
Christ is alive. I can attest to that. No other miracle can be greater than his
unsolicited love that was demonstrated on the cross. For that love, I found hope
and faith, I can declare healing through His power and I can thank you all at
this moment because I believe my life was extended so that I can also
appreciate the love coming from all of you and be able to share it with others
as well.
The
best and worst days of my life happened this year but it’s all worth it. Thank
you all so much!
2
Corinthians 4:15English Standard Version (ESV)
15 For it is all for your sake, so that as grace
extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory
of God.
