Cancer

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Dear Anika,

These are difficult times for our family (Roa-Quiblat side). Your Tita Angie passed away recently and we are still mourning her loss. She was a woman who loved unconditionally and I really enjoyed my conversations with her. And Grandmama (Q's grandmother, Roa side) is fighting for her life because the tumor in her lungs has grown bigger, now the size of a man's fist. 

Let me share with you my thoughts about one of my last conversations with Grandmama.

It's hard to see your loved ones suffer. Every time I see Grandmama now, I couldn't help but cry. She looks so frail now grasping for every breath. Morphine has helped ease the pain but the lines on her face show how her body has suffered from the pain that these cancer cells bring. I have friends whose parent died from cancer and I have seen them suffer too. So it is official; I hate cancer or any dreaded disease for that matter. Unfortunately dreaded diseases have been part of many families' lives and no matter how much I hate it, it is not going anywhere so I might as well see it from a different perspective.

I was with Grandmama on one Sunday afternoon last November and I am blessed to have witnessed how strong her faith is. For a woman who has been suffering for a year now, these are her words, "Badette, I still believe that God will heal me. If He doesn't I am ready." I was stunned when I heard her say it. You don't normally hear these words from someone who is suffering. Words that are full of hope. I believe it is the kind of hope that comes from her ability to love unconditionally. She took care of everybody and loved everybody from her husband to her children down to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She had this wistful look on her face as she recounted to me how she took care of all her loved ones.

When it was time for me to pray with her, I couldn't help but cry because of how great her love is for her family. I couldn't help but cry because her thoughts and prayers are for her family. I couldn't help but cry because she remains faithful and hopeful despite her suffering.

"I admire your strength Mama. It comes from your confidence in God and knowing that you have done all you can to love your family."

Before I left, I told Grandmama to never give up. She said, "I will never give up I love my family too much."

Cancer causes suffering but it does bring out the best in people - hope, faith and love.

With Much Love,

Mama