A Spiritual Link Uniting Two Friends

Pong and Lucy met for the first time 10 years ago at an eHomemakers Mother’s Day Celebration. Since then, their friendship has grown considerably, taking care of each other with sincere concern, respect and love. The tie between the two individuals is intangible and best understood by sharing conversation and watching both women live their lives and offer their time, energy and possessions to improve the quality of life of others around them.

What is the source of their spiritual bond? Perhaps their shared life struggles and near-death experiences unite them on a deeper level. Perhaps it is their character and fortitude to remain resilient in the face of incredible challenges and life-threatening illnesses.  Either way, both women possess a vibrant spirit and happy-go-lucky attitude that enables them to look forward to the future and live a fulfilled life.

 

                

(clockwise from bottom left) Pong, Lucy, Grandma
and Helen visiting Pong in the hospital

After the birth of her stillborn twins at the age of 19, Pong received an operation to have the babies removed. While she recovered from this physically and mentally exhausting experience at home, she developed a post-natal viral infection that impeded her ability to urinate and move her body. Pong was brought to the ICU after losing sensation in most of her body and then fell into a coma for two years. When she woke, she lost complete sensation in her legs and after some discussion, the doctors advised amputation. The first surgery to remove her legs was uneven, leaving Pong unable to sit upright. To move around the house, Pong dragged herself along the dirt floors on her stomach. After two additional surgeries, the incision on Pong's legs was finally even.

Two decades later, Pong lies cheerfully on her hospital bed, chatting with visitors and the women sharing her communal recovery room. One would never know that she waited five years for this surgery that would enable her to consume more than 5 mL of fluids a day. Pong has survived more near-death experiences than one could ever imagine. Her eternally positive outlook enable her to remain resilient against continuous health complications. She only has eyes for the future and looks forward to what life will bring next.

Lucy also nearly lost her life in 2001 when she relapsed and an infection attacked her body.  A life-long Lupus patient, Lucy must know her body well, consume a cocktail of medications everyday, and take precaution in her daily activities.  After building a life with her husband and three children many years ago, she suddenly fell into a coma at age 46.  When she woke a week later, she remained in the ICU for two weeks and in the hospital for six more weeks to recover.  Lucy lost her memory during the attack and could not recognize her husband or children. Without motor skills, she needed to re-learn how to use her hands, how to eat, how to read and how to live in the world.

Despite these setbacks, Lucy works tirelessly from the moment the sun rises to after it sets. As a valued volunteer for two non-profits, the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and e-Homemakers, she divides her time between the two organizations every week and has significant responsibilities to both.

Lucy’s strategy is simple and much like Pong's "always smile" technique and "think positive" attitude.  

“Love to live your life. And love the people in it,” Lucy stated cheerfully on the drive back to the eHomemakers office after visiting with Pong.  

Her positive energy is contagious. In her presence, others are immediately at ease, laughing, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures just as she does. Like Pong, Lucy gives everything away to make others happy, be it generously treating the office to treats from the bakery, managing eHomemakers tasks, or visiting with other Lupus patients in the hospital.  Her hardworking and dedicated demeanor are a model for others to follow.  I met Lucy a mere 24 hours ago, but I am certain she will be a genuine friend, mentor and role model for me while in Malaysia.  

While I am admittedly too young to surmount the intangible connection between these powerful women, I can attempt to shed light on how their endlessly positive attitude and selfless demeanor provide them with the strength to persevere through a life-long battle with their health status and look forward to the future. 

"We cannot cry over spilled milk," Lucy chuckles.  "So pour yourself another glass! This time, make it strawberry or chocolate! I do not wish to change what has already happened. I can only look forward to the future and live my life today!"