Healing

Our young friend is living with what is clinically a very serious illness. I was with his brother's father-in-law in San Francisco last May when he received a telephone call informing him of the diagnosis. These past months, supported by his wife, family and friends, he has had an initial surgery and rigorous therapy which was completed this week and will be followed by a second surgery when he is strong enough. At one point the thirty year old computer engineer and soccer player had lost thirty kilos. "After the surgery when the doctor told me the news I realized that I could choose to be depressed, or I could be hopeful," he recently told me. Most would find the report devastating. He celebrates life, friendship, family, and hope every day. To be in his presence, one is both inspired and challenged. His smile is infectious and his spirit is strong. I believe that it is in part his Christ faith formation, but perhaps in greater measure it is his brasileiro spirit. The Brazilian proverb, "A esperenca e a ultima que morre" translates to English, "Hope is the last to die." Faith, fatalism, and mysticism entwined. He is our teacher and our guide. Last week a priest asked me if I thought our friend would be cured. What I know is, he is being healed every day; and he invites us all into that healing. In the midst of suffering, one finds the greater gifts.