N. Arhe
On any given day, one would wonder, what a housewife, a social worker, doctor, bureaucrat and a police officer would have in common. It’s another matter if one would belive that it is “faith” that has bounded them together. Faith, in many different ways has brought them under one community known as ‘cancer survivors’ fellowship’. For all of them, it starts with their faith in God, having faith in themselves and their loved ones; they have not only survived one of the most feared disease of our time, but has also given hope to many others to take on life as it comes with faith, hope and grace.
When my mother, a cancer survivor and a member of the group invited me for their pre-Christmas celebrations, I had agreed to go along, not knowing what to expect. There were a group of enthusiastic men and women greeting each other like a school reunion – welcoming the new, while embracing the old members. Being in their midst one could not overlook how each one of them have braved their illness. “It’s a miracle how I survived” said one of the member while sharing with the rest of the community. “Our God is a God of miracle, or how else would one explain a man who lost half his lung to cancer and then had to undergo another major operation. ‘It’s God who healed me” He said, self-assuredly, while the rest of the members nod their head in chorus.
There were smiles exchanged as two gentlemen went up to give a special number. Their opening remark had the mass warmed up. But, as they talk about the common things they shared, it touched everyone’s heart. “Our story goes back to 35 years as naughty boys, then we got married to two very strong women and today, both our wives are cancer survivors. Here’s looking forward to many more Christmas with them” one of them had said.
It’s apparent how the group has helped each individual to go from strength to strength. Being in their midst, I have no doubt that the group has given a new hope to those who had come for the first time. They sang, they shared, they prayed and they had a hearty pre-Christmas dinner.
As they joyfully sang Christmas hymnals ‘Hark the herald angels’ and ‘Joy to the world’, my mind shifted to another hymn “Amazing Grace”. I, as a family member of a cancer survivor can only sing along “Tis’ grace has brought us thus far, and grace will lead us home”. While I walked down the stairs, I could still hear the echo of the group wishing each other ‘Merry Christmas”. Deep down, I was convinced; this community is here to stay and stay, for many, many Christmas and will inspire all those whose lives are confronted by a disease called cancer!
