Very often, I don’t bother asking, “How are you?” It seemed pointless to ask. Often too, I dare not initiate things. Just following till I get comfortable.
Then today, I asked someone whom I hardly approached, “Do you want to have lunch?” He agreed and I was surprised. To be honest, didn’t think he would agree as he had a disability and would be difficult for us to go out. He requested for us to eat within the building, on the floor I didn’t like. Without hesitation (and turning down someone who was asking me out), I agreed. A part of me felt bummed that I couldn’t have lunch with the usual people but that was just a minute part. Anyway, another unwell colleague joined us.
During lunch, the usually quiet guy started talking and sharing so much with us. Maybe because we’re trained in psychology, so he trusted us, maybe …. for whatever reasons, I can’t put my finger on except for divine intervention.
He shared that for the several months that he was absent from work, he was undergoing surgery and chemotherapy for cancer. This was a fact that we already knew. What we didn’t know, was his emotional process and struggles. The fear he had, the helplessness, the anger, and the jealousy of others fit and well… spoke loudly to me.
Few weeks ago, I had been having extremely frequent bouts of low blood sugar to the point of semi consciousness. They gave me the exact same feelings as he did. Every single one of them. But the difference was… I managed to discover that they were caused by medication that was given and should stop after I withdraw from them. His, was legit and he’s only 19, with a perfectly healthy lifestyle (know me very well and you’ll know how awful I really am compared to him). It was such a sad and unexpected situation that even his doctors and nurses cried for him. But… the inspiring things were not in the sadness or his emotional struggle.
It was his strength and faith.
How he managed to pull through all the turmoil, with nothing but strength, support, and faith… and got cured of cancer. How much he had to lose as a young man, but still had the courage to go on, facing it all. How much anger and jealousy he had, and wisdom he gained from it all. Mind you, he was handicapped and probably did not function at a normal intellectual level, or not given opportunities to. The two of us, listening. Controlling our emotions. Me, feeling inspired (and a little ashamed).
“Why do I always let myself slip into darkness when someone with almost no hope in their life has the strength to pull through?” was the question that screamed in my head.
Isn’t it amazing how at the lowest point, a beacon is shone into your life to scare away the darkness?
He has shown me how we, as salt and light should be.
Isn’t it such a wonder what a “Do you want to have lunch?” can do?
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