#DearPopeFrancis:Please Pray for cancer patients, published in Rappler, Jan. 17, 2015

April 13, 2015...I am now in Oslo, Norway. My diplomat friend was crossposted  here for two years to complete her six year tour of duty. So I will change my subheading , from Athens...to Oslo...

Some events in my family the past two years have left me sad but not bitter.Out eldest sister died of colon cancer last November 2014. We never thought our family had cancer. And it devastated us. But I never for a moment questioned God. I continue to pray for  the repose of the soul of my sister, Florabel. And most especially, to spare us this dreaded disease. 

I am rewriting here my article which was published in Rappler on January 17, 2015 in time for the visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines. I thought others who have not read it may read it here.

Dear Pope Francis: Please pray for cancer patients
by Miles Viernes

One clear afternoon on January 12, 1995- 20 years ago- hundreds of thousands lined the streets from the old Manila International Airport to Roxas Boulevard to greet Pope John Paul II, one of history's most beloved popes. It was the second visit of the Pope to the Philippines. The 5-day visit was in time for the observance of the 10th World Youth Day.

I was one of the hundreds of thousands who patiently waited for the convoy of the Pope to pass by. And 4 days after, I was also one of the more than 3 million people who attended the 10 am mass at the Quirino Grandstand that marked the closing of the 10th World Youth Day. It was reportedly the biggest gathering during the Pope's 16-year reign.

I vividly remember those days not only because of its significance to us Catholics, but most especially because our eldest sister, Florabel, was still with us. I can still recall the spark in her eyes and the smile on her lips as she intently listened to the message of Pope John Paul II. With her signature abaniko (fan), she tirelessly fanned us to lessen the heat of the blazing sun.

We sat among millions at the Quirino Grandstand together with my daughter, who is now in the US, and my close friend in the foreign service.

Unfortunately, my sister passed away about two months ago at the intensive care unit of a hospital. It was really heartbreaking to see my dear sister for 3 weeks, with tubes connected to her mouth, nose and legs. I had to put up a brave front to give her moral support. During the few minutes allowed for visits, she would silently join me as I recited the healing prayers and prayers to Jesus and Mama Mary. And then at the end of the prayers she would open her mouth and try to say, "Amen".

In 2013 she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She survived more than 12 hours at the operating table, thanks to able surgeons and prayers of our family, relatives and friends. For almost a year she lived a normal life. She gained weight and was in her usual cheerful disposition. She was hopeful she would live long like other cancer survivors. But I guess something went wrong along the way and the inevitable happened.

Cancer is a heartbreaking reality for many across the world. According to the World Health Organization, there were at least 14 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer related deaths.

On that sad day in November last year, she looked at me with imploring eyes as if to say goodbye. I watched helplessly, held her hands and whispered in her ears, "I"m sorry Manang Belle, we did our best."

I knew that deep in her heart she wanted to live. We prayed for a miracle. But I guess it is God's will.

I miss those happy moments with my dear sister. If she were still alive today, I am sure she would join us to welcome Pope Francis in his historic visit to the Philippines in January. Even at past 60, I know she would still have the stamina to wade through the millions who would be at the Quirino Grandstand for the Mass. Now she must be looking at the vast crowd of people who would gather on January 18( the day Pope Francis will hold a Mass at the same venue), just like the time we were there on January 12, 1995.

#DearPopeFrancis: Please pray for all persons afflicted with cancer. And pray for the repose of the souls who have succumbed to the disease, like my sister Florabel so that they will join our Creator in Heaven.

Not cancer...

I returned to the dermatologist last July 17, for him to check the scar on my left nipple.The doctor told me that he might have to do a biopsy of the area. I worried that it might be cancer.Days before that day I prayed and prayed to Jesus, Mama Mary and St Ephraim. I asked Mang Belle to pray to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal that it will not be cancer. And I recited the rosary.

Every time I would pray, tears would go down my eyes,begging for Divine mercy. The thought of having cancer scared me. I havent seen my daughter for 9 years. And I didn't want to bother loved ones.

A few days before my schedule with the dermatologist, I suddenly had sore throat which would not go away! I know that if it is untreated, it might affect my heart. 

The Saturday before my appointment my friend from the Embassy and I went to the St. Ephraim Monastery to implore of help of the saint who has done miraculous cures. That was my second visit since the time I had the scar on my left nipple.

When the dermatologist examined me, he said it was getting better. And I dont have to put the medicine twice a day, just once. I heaved a sigh of relief. Thank God! Thank you Jesus, Mama Mary, St. Ephraim and all saints. At least, I believe it is not cancer. The doctor though still wanted that he does the biopsy to find out what it is.But, he hastened to add, it is not urgent. 

So we agreed that I will return first week of September. By that time the dress of Mama Mary at home would have been changed. 

And by the way, the sore throat was viral, thank God! No need for medicines as it will be cured in a few days.Now, three days after my visit to the doctor, the sore throat is gone....

Thank you Lord. Thank you Mama Mary....

 

 

God is good all the time

God is good all the time. For the past several days one spot near my nipples suddenly became itchy and left a mark that would not go away. I thought it would go away, but it didn't. I hid this from my friend because I didn't want her to get worried. As days passed by, I was alarmed and I thought it was something serious. 

I prayed and prayed to Jesus, Mama Mary and all saints. On the third week we went to the shrine of St. Ephraim, who has done miracles especially in curing diseases and sicknesses. We got blessed oil, which I applied on the area with prayers. But the itch and the mark didn't go away.

This did not dampen my spirit and belief in God. Since the area was near my nipple, I got scared. But I kept on praying, reciting the rosary everyday crying out for the Lord's help. I called on Jesus, Mama Mary, St. Ephraim and all saints. Please, don't let this be a dreaded disease.

Yesterday  (June 25), we went to see a doctor at the Uyeia hospital, reportedly the best in the area. I was nervous about what I might learn. Fortunately, after breast ultrasound, the doctor said there was nothing wrong with my breasts. And this might be a case for the dermatologist. 

God is really good. Now, I am praying again that the medicine that the dermatologist prescribed will finally cure it. I am confident that my prayers will be granted.

Visa and turning 59....

It's 6:10 pm here in Athens. I just finished my phone call to my oldest sister. We discussed the situation in our house, the problems and plans for the next few years. I am glad to hear they are okay, thank God. Of course there are some issues to be resolved, but otherwise not something that can't be resolved.

I expressed sadness about the denial , again, by the US Embassy of my tourist visa application. The Affidavit of Support from my friend who is a high ranking official of the Philippine Embassy didn't help. The questions as usual centered on my daughter who is now a citizen living in California and my marriage to her father. I emphasized that I have gone to the US three (3) times on Bi/B2 and A2 visas in 1981, 1994 and 2005, and that I have always returned to the Philippines. But the officer didn't see that as significant. How else can I convince the US Embassy that I am not an intending immigrant?

To my mind, the US Consular officers are one-track minds. If they are that strict about the rules, how come there are tourist visitors in the US who have gone TNT? How come there are so many illegal immigrants there ? 

I am really very sad. This is one prayer which has not been granted. But this has not dampened me, nor diminished my belief in Mama Mary and Jesus. I know there are better things in store for me. I believe God is good.

What really made me angry is the treatment that my friend got from the US Embassy here in Athens. She was not allowed to accompany me the interview to reiterate her support for me and assure them that I will return to the place of origin after a short visit to the US. Worse, she was made to wait outside the building, with nary a chair to sit on. I believe that was an insult to a high ranking official representing the government of the Philippines. Sure, she didn't have an appointment with any of the officers.But she could have been treated with more hospitality and courtesy considering she was not just an ordinary Filipino citizen.

I told her I wanted to bring this shabby treatment to the concerned US authorities. But she dissuaded me from doing so. She said she will bring this up herself when she meets with her counterpart in one of the official gatherings or meetings.

I am gradually psyching myself to be happy and accept that I may not be given a tourist visa in the near future. So I urged Maribelle, my daughter, to start her petition for me ASAP. I think this is the only way I would be able to visit her in the US again.

As I turned 59 last April, I thank the Lord for the small blessings. I have not added any monetary fortunes to my name, but I thank Him everyday that I wake up in good spirits. I thank Mama Mary and Jesus for keeping us always safe, and alive. And I always pray that we remain healthy and live long lives. 

                                         Photos taken on my birhday, April 25 at the Philippine
                                         Embassy with the Ambassador and  officers and staff.