TORONTO, Canada, May 25, 2014 — Today has been a day of reflection, of contemplation and of joy. It is World Partnership Walk day, an event that my family and I have been participating in for more than 25 years. This Walk is one of the largest fundraising events in Canada to support the world’s poorest communities in initiatives that include maternal and childcare services, clean water and sanitation in villages and education of underprivileged girls.
Two years ago on World Partnership Walk day, I was in the hospital with febrile neutropenia. I was connected to an IV to get the antibiotics I needed to get better. My face was swollen from taking dexamethasone. I was too sick to walk. Afzal, Sabrina’s boyfriend, came to visit me at the hospital. He could see that I was very sad not to be part of the Walk. Next thing I know, he spoke with the nurses and got permission to wheel me down, in a wheelchair, to the ground floor of the hospital. He situated me behind the glass inside the foyer so that I could at least watch the walkers pass by.
Two years later, I walked almost the entire route of the World Partnership Walk! I walked with vigour. I walked with family and friends. I walked almost 3.5 km from David Pecaut Square at Metro Hall to Queen’s Park and back!
After the Walk, I visited a friend who was just released from The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre where she is being treated for leukemia. She recently underwent a donor stem cell transplant and has lost all her hair. It was heartwarming to hear her story and to see how strong she is in spite of the adversity and challenge that life has dealt her. We talked about shared experiences and dealing with the havoc of chemotherapy. And then we took time to have fun! I had her try on all my wigs and she did this with gusto! Each wig gave her a new personality. She went from blond to redhead; from straight to curly, from long hair to a stylish bob. I was honored to be a witness to this. And it felt so good to bring a little bit of fun in her day. It was also a cathartic turning point for me as I finally said goodbye to my wigs.
If I could go back in time 2 years ago, sitting in a wheelchair watching the World Partnership walkers go by, I would remind myself to embrace each challenge with faith and to look to the future with immense hope, no matter how difficult our current circumstances may be. That is the best gift we can give to ourselves.
– Munira.
11 responses to “A Time for Reflection, and a Day for Walking”
You always touch the core of my heart!
What a remarkable contrast in those photographs. That is inspiring. Congrats on the walk! ~Catherine
I know! I was also struck by the contrast. Two years ago in some ways seems like it was a lifetime away; and sometimes it feels like it was just yesterday. Felt really good to walk Catherine!
Yeah, Saw you from far yesterday and was very proud of you.
Be well, blessed and less stressed
Shahnaz Suteria, M.O.M.Sc., R.M.T., Dip. H.R. Osteopathic Manual Therapist
anaturalchoicermt@hotmail.com
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do” – Rumi
“When your work speaks for itself, don’t interrupt.”- Henry J. Kaiser
I’m sorry I missed you at the walk Shahnaz. It would have been nice to chat and get caught up! Be blessed yourself!
Thanks Munira for being faithful to write, we read and from the busy schedules of the day we pause and thank God for everything. Be blessed and as your wise words to us-look to the future with immense hope …………………hugs to your family!
Habari Gani Lucy! Hugs right back to you!
“I would remind myself to embrace each challenge with faith and to look to the future with immense hope, no matter how difficult our current circumstances may be. That is the best gift we can give to ourselves.”
Munibai, words to live by.
Dearest Ashif – – I so love to get your comments. Thank you! When we are in the midst of a challenge it is hard to think beyond the pain. But if we can find a way to look beyond with hope and faith, it is incredible how the universe conspires to move us forward to a good place.
WOW, !!Ithe words , “it will become history, hang in” proved to have worked ….
I am so thrilled and yes “faith” has helped you ! no matter what …
“if you can find peace within yourself, you will never find it! is so true, you were at peace then and now …keep it up Mukhiani maa
Salome
thanks so much for your encouragement always Salome!