again, I underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and I beat the cancer. The end of my cancer treatment was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but it was marred by the death of my elder sister, Ama, to whomIwas closest. Itwas adeeply difficult time for me, especially as she had been looking forward to a double celebration—the end of my treatment and her 70th birthday. We had even planned to go on a holiday together after my surgeries, and the children had already paid for the tickets. On the very day I completed my last radiation session— 19th January—I received the devastating call that she had passed. It was all so sudden. She hadn’t been sick. In fact, we had spoken earlier that week. It was only on Wednesday that I missed calling her, and I told myself I’d reach out on Thursday after my session. But that was it. What was meant to be a season of joy turned into one of deep grief. I had been looking forward to celebrating both her birthday and the end of my treatment, yet God had other plans. Through it all, I give it to God. My faith has kept me going. I first learned about God in Sunday School. In our home, going to church wasn’t a choice—it was a requirement. “ The Birthday Journal 41
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTAyMTM3NQ==