LIFE GOES ON 2 - Norhayati Sulaiman
Everything happens for a reason. Every person is born into this world with hopes and wishes for a life filled with wonder and colour. But fate sometimes deals a blow to those dreams. Life is paved with trials and tribulations that will challenge a person’s faith.
Such was the case with Norhayati Sulaiman. She was dealt a bitter blow when she was informed by the doctor that she had Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) or cancer of the blood. She was crushed and her life seemed to have abruptly stopped. At only 22 years of age and just married, she had to take a step backwards and slowly accept the fact that her life will never be the same.
To make matters worse, her employer was nonchalant about her condition and could provide no support. She decided to resign immediately and start treatment instead. She began to take life one day at a time. Throughout her therapy, she was in great pain. But she held her head high and put on a brave face. “My life has just started and I have so much that I want to achieve. I will overcome this!”. With these thoughts, she began to motivate herself to choose a path to recovery, no matter how hard.
Norhayati persevered and changed her lifestyle. She wants so much to live. Bouts of depression and misery plagued her. She also had to bear spells of nausea from the side effects of her treatment. Physically she was so weak as she could hardly eat. Even though she was house bound, her spirits remained high.
Norhayati with Masna
I sometimes look back at this particular case in my home visit and I think to myself. How can I not admire a person like Norhayati. She told me that she was thankful to God for a chance at life. Her modesty, focus and determination to beat the odds have unquestionably inspired me.
It is true that everything happens for a reason but only time will tell why some of us are chosen to face such adversity. While we try to find the answer, we persevere and with conviction we just have to face it.
By Masna Hamidun, Practical Student from Sains Universiti Islam Malaysia, Nilai03 Dec 2007 – 18 April 2008
