Are you aware?

14 February 2008


A few weeks ago, the LUISA Project (a Lupus awareness advocacy project) launched the Lupus Awareness Week. A fellow-lupie (Lenina Tujan) told me about this a few months back, but I totally forgot about it – blame it on my foggy brain.

It was Mai who sent me a text message that a tv channel covered the launching of the event, and that the lupus patients were out in the sun, dancing in the streets. Wow! That’s a sight, especially for us lupies, who shudder at the sight of sunlight.

I am very thankful to RxMen (seen every Wednesdays at Channel Q11) for also covering the event, and featuring the story of some lupies. I wanted to send a message to Dr Jai, a college orgmate, and also one of the hosts, and thank them for the story.

Watching the feature last night, I can’t help but cry seeing the lupus patients from all ages, from all walks of life. The spokesperson for the LUISA project is a Cojuangco. Lucky her, she can afford to buy the expensive medicines. But seeing the other lupus patients, it is evident that they could not even afford steroids (which is very cheap), the miracle drug for us lupies.

This valentine’s day, I would like to tell you about my love-hate relationship with Lupita. I sometimes call her “the wolf” – on days when I feel tired and beaten, when I can’t even think straight, when all my muscles and joints ache. But I also call her “a butterfly” – on days when I realize that I am very lucky, that I am loved, that I am strong.

I am sharing with you a poem sent by Tanya. I love this poem, salamat Tanya for sharing this. I would like to share it with all of you.

*Message of the Hopi Elders of Arizona....

" We have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour.
Now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour.
And there are things to be considered.
Where are you living? What are you doing?
What are your relationships? Are you in the right relation?
Where is your water? Know your garden.

It is time to speak your truth
Create your community. Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
This could be a good time!
There is a river flowing now very fast
It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid.
They will try to hold onto the shore.
They will feel they are being torn apart and they will suffer greatly.

Know the river has its destination.
The elders say we must let go of the shore, and push off and into the river,
Keep our eyes open, and our head above the water.
See who is in there with you and Celebrate.
At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all ourselves.
For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.

The time of the lone wolf is over, Gather yourselves!
Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary.
All that you do now must be done in a sacred manner
And in celebration.

We are the ones we've been waiting for..."

I will have another round of lab work-ups and check up on Monday. Will keep you updated for the results. Let’s hope it’ll all be better.

Happy valentine’s day. Remember that you are loved. Stay happy! 