B

Today’s one of those days when I feel completely invigorated and inspired. I feel like I’ve been tagged, and now, “I’m it” to pass on the insight I’ve gained today. So I’ve been volunteering at the Palliative Care Association for the past 4 months now, and I’ve done a couple of rounds at the hospital palliative care unit ward. On some days, you meet patients who are withdrawn and unable to accept their situation. Frankly, you cannot blame them. On other days, however, you meet patients who are so open about their life experiences and despite being plagued with chemotherapy, countless operations, nausea and the weakening effects of cancer, refuse to conform to the stereotype of depressed patients.

I met a truly amazing person (B*name concealed for confidentiality purposes) at the ward today. B told us he is not disheartened by the fact that he has been diagnosed with cancer. B pointed out the fact that there are others who live with plastic tubes that function as their intestines and the fact that he still has his intestines makes him a real lucky guy: “Semua itu tension. Saya buang saja. Orang yang sihat pun, bila jatuh dalam longkang, tumpang juga. Saya sakit, sakit lah, tapi masih hidup juga. Doktor tanya saya apa saya buat di rumah, duduk di rumah saja kah? Mana ada. Saya pandu kereta di seluruh Papar lagi oh. Mana ada masa mau duduk di rumah! Tuhan kasih kami ini peluang untuk hidup, kami harus hargainya bah.” (Translation: All the tension [cancer-related stress], I threw it all away. Even falling into a drain can be fatal for healthy people. I’m sick. So what? But I’m still alive. The doctor asked me what I do at home, whether I just sit around at home. Of course not! I still drive my car around the whole of Papar [a town]! There’s no time to just sit around at home! God gave us this chance to live- we should appreciate it [emphasis given].)

We decided to bring him over to the association meeting place to have lunch with the other patients and volunteers. He was a blessing in disguise. He spoke of his life stories to other patients, and it initiated a good conversation amongst them. They reminisced about their old days, during the Japanese invasion, their arranged marriages and how their kids have all grown up into respectful adults. He made living with an energy draining disease sound so pellucid. He really had a way with words and charmed us with his ability to speak in numerous languages, namely, Hokkien, Iban, English, Malay, and Kadazan. He picked these languages up whilst conversing with people from all walks of life throughout his career as a labourer in various countries: Brunei, Malaysia, and Singapore. This is truly remarkable given his pure Dusun roots!

This opened my eyes a little. A problem that may seem larger than life is really, miniscule compared to the vastness of this world and our ability to bounce back and fight our own doubts and insecurities. All it takes is a healthy mind set. This was what I learned today. And I hope others too- will try to view the daily issues we face from a different frame of reference.

Now, “TAG-YOU’RE IT!”