This birthday feels different.
As I have said several times, I am usually not enthusiastic about birthday celebrations. For a very long time, I stopped posting pictures of myself on my birthday. To me, it was always just another ordinary day. I often wondered, “Why am I celebrating? It is just like every other day?”
Everything changed, including my mindset.
If I had my way, I would celebrate every single day that I wake up alive. January 17 was a turning point in my life. I almost died, but God had other plans for me.
For the first time in my life, every new day stopped feeling ordinary and started feeling like a gift.
I had to undergo a life saving surgery after doctors discovered a tumor in my bowel. The procedure became necessary, and through the expertise of the doctors and the mercy of God, I was given a second chance at life.
Then, in February, I received one of the hardest pieces of news of my life. My doctor informed me that the tumor was cancerous. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal adenocarcinoma.
I was immediately referred to an oncologist, who confirmed the diagnosis. She placed me on a treatment plan that included chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. The goal was to ensure that the cancer did not metastasize and spread to other vital organs.
I went through the chemotherapy sessions as recommended by my doctors. After completing the treatment, further investigations were carried out. The results showed that the tumor had completely shrunk.
That result was nothing short of a miracle.
My oncologist was not expecting such an outcome. The primary expectation was that the treatment would prevent the cancer from spreading. But God had another plan. As it is written:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
The journey is not over yet. I still have a colostomy reversal procedure ahead of me, followed by radiotherapy. So please keep me in your prayers.
Even so, I can already see the hand of God at work in my life. I have every reason to celebrate, to be joyful, and to be thankful for another year of life.
I want to thank my friends for being my emotional support during this trying season. I am not sure I would have made it through this hurdle without you. Your presence, encouragement, prayers, and constant check ins have meant more than words can express.
To my lovely wife, thank you for everything you do. God knows I would not be here today without you. Your strength, sacrifices, and unwavering support have carried me through some of my darkest moments.
To my family, thank you for your prayers, words of encouragement, and constant support. They have kept me going during the moments when I felt like giving up. Mbana.
Today, I celebrate life. I celebrate God’s faithfulness. And I celebrate the gift of another year.