6. Humanity
Not everyone understands the ‘most terrifying’ feeling when you say cancer. Some run away, some ignore it, some think it is no big deal. Whatever opinion the people had on this, humanity does rise up to its glory in so many ways, that you start to begin to believe in people as a human being. Yes, strangers come forward to show their kindness in ways that warms your heart.
I had to renew my passport and by the time I do that, I would have lost my hair, I thought. I just decided to write to the police and say just that.. Call it vain if you want to but that’s just me. Nothing came for days and suddenly a reply, asking me to come, any time at my convenience, to the nearest station. What a gesture! It touched my heart and I cried. There are people taking a different stand and here the police was being understanding and kind. Likewise with my dental care - very accommodating and they found time to fix everything. I even went to the optician to get my glasses done, even a new sun glasses with power lens. It was like preparing for something that will slow me down, or worst still not being able to go out. Silly me. Every time I came home after I have accomplished my little “bucket list” of some kind, I felt great.
Family and friends built that support system to stand behind me - it was touching to see people coming forward to actually organise this, because they knew I will be alone in this journey otherwise. Not just here where I lived but also from far and away. Thank you Jeenu, Shanker, Lisa, Thanga for considering staying with me. Unbelievable show of love! Added a new song to the list, Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away” which I played throughout the night and it somehow gave some kind of comfort. And I had the privilege and joy of imaging different scenarios while listening to it.
The final thing I did was to get my hair cut real short. I heard various stories about how people felt when they saw their hair drop. Ok, decided that short hair dropping is better than seeing long strands of hair falling off. Called up my hair dresser Cezar, who was very quick to give me the time. And for the first time ever, told a hair dresser “do whatever you want”. He knew exactly what I meant and gave him the best glamour look. I was not letting Cancer take away glamour!
My nieces Nisha, Sharmita, Davina from different parts of the world, got together via Face Time and gave me the time of my life, laughing, joking at my new found craziness. It was hilarious & heart warming having such conversation with people half my age - it was good to be alive.
With that, I was ready to face the enemy - the tumours. I slept listening to Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away”
I heard the Whispers of all the people behind me ….”we got you, stay strong”
March 2022