VIRIDITAS2
Interviewed by Sister Malia Dominica Wong, OP
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Every day I awake with the thought that anything that I might do today is God’s plan, not mine. Whether it be in helping other people, or just being open to wherever life’s mission may take me, I simply accept all with faith. Many times, we cannot keep on a schedule with our own plans as desired. Changes do occur. With God, the saints and love for the people around me I keep on going. I feel it is a mission for me to help others in need.
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Thymic carcinoma is a rare, aggressive type. I was given a year to live. The cancer has spread all throughout my body. When I went to acupuncture, a lady shared something that she had learned from her sifu (teacher). “If you have a disease like cancer, just live with it. Instead of being angry with the sickness or illness you have, create a partnership with it.”
How does one create this partnership? For example, I was really losing weight. I went below a hundred pounds. Then I thought about what she told me saying to myself, “If I want to live, I need to feed the cancer and myself because we live together.” We need to embrace each other so that I can be made stronger. When we believe in God, and he has a mission for you, he will not take you home until his work is complete.
I find joy in helping people, making others smile. Smiling, laughing even five minutes a day is the best medicine. Your outlook can change when you smile or laugh every day. You will be happy the rest of the day. You will not feel depressed, worn or as if no one really cares for you. I think if you love yourself first, it is easy to want to help others.
Prayer is also very important. So many people are praying for me, as I am praying for them. Pray constantly. Don’t wait for tough times. Many times, I just thank God for the little things in life. For example, driving around the parking lot 10 times and finally finding a space, I say “Thank you, God.” God is present everywhere. If you think that you need to stop and pray and kneel, it is not necessary. Prayer comes from the heart. As things come on during the day, just thank God.
I have to thank my mother Mary Yuk Yin Chow for her faith. After praying to St. Anne de Beaupre of Canada for 12 years, she gave birth to me. There is a 12-year gap between my brother Calvin and me. She was a faithful Catholic. Although my father Fai Mann was a Buddhist, we were enriched by, and raised to respect my father’s traditional observances and that of our ancestors. I am thankful to be here because of them.
Sometimes I don’t even want to mention that I have cancer. Every day when you get old, you will have a pain here and there. It is important to get one’s paperwork in order. And, then to know when to take a rest as your body tells you, “Go, take a nap.” Every day I am open to learning something new.
Anne Keamo is a parishioner of Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Pearl City.
