“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves” ~James Matthew Barrie
Evelyn, a young woman from Ghana, expresses her gratefulness to the people who have helped her along her journey to healing. The power of gratitude cannot be mistaken in the beauty of her heartfelt words of thanks.
by Evelyn Srumawuda Amegbletor
It is with great sense of pleasure that I write to express my heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to some people whose kindness, bigheartedness and generosity have made it possible for me to regain my sight after being blind for almost 9 years, and thus be of service to God. According to Marcus Tullius Cicero, a thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.
I am a 23-year old girl and a native of Awlikorpe, a village near Dzodze in the Volta region. I dropped out of school at the tender age of 14 as a result of diabetes induced blindness, a condition that has subjected me to anguish and despair for the past nine years. I have since been on insulin, combigan, doutrav and other expensive medications in addition to regular reviews and checkups. As a member of a poor family of six children of a single parent, daily survival is purely by the benevolence of people.
Predictably, my condition started deteriorating over the years to the extent that doctors at the 37 Military Hospitals, where I was referred to early this year, detected what they described as Total Retinal Detachment and recommended medical evacuation for an emergency surgery abroad. It is at this point in my life that a local adage that says that God drives away flies for tailless animals became meaningful and real to me. Through the benevolence of Mr. Kofi Deku of Accra, the Commander of the 37 Military Hospital, Brig. Gen. Kponyo, Hon Kofi Lawson and the Ketu North District Assembly, the management of Metro TV, Mr. Raymondo Olypio of Accra, the Assemblies of God Church, Awlikorpe, Bishop Thomas Lekey and others, I was flown to Kenya in March this year for the surgery and this has helped me regain my sight, partially though. After the surgery and as I returned with the hope of heaving a sigh of relief, I came face to face with the unfortunate spectacle of my mother, the breadwinner, losing her two limbs through amputation occasioned by a chronic diabetic wound she was nursing prior to my departure.
In all these, there is nothing more assuring and heartening than the experience and joy in knowing that there is so much goodness in each and every person. The loving concern, compassion and assistance shown me by these people, most of who are strangers to me, have been humbling. It is indeed a proof that even in our times; people have so much love in their hearts to share. Just by knowing that people care is enough for me to feel strengthened and well.
My gratitude and that of my family to them will forever be etched in my heart.
Thank you.
Miss Evelyn Srumawuda Amegbletor
[email protected]
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