“Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice.” —Charles Kettering
Over the next few weeks our articles will feature five of our courageous fathers. Those who aren’t afraid to share their weaknesses, fears and faith when it comes to discussing the health and wellness of their children.
This week, JBF talks to David John Samuel who has been a Christian all his life, but as a boy he struggled with his faith until one day God revealed himself and it turned his life around. This is what has helped him cope with his son Jesse being diagnosed with a rare form of childhood cancer.
This is David’s story:
“I remember growing up, there was not much to eat, so one day while hungry, I knelt with a friend on a crocus bag under a coconut tree. I begged God to send some coconuts down. I prayed from my heart which was something I had never done before. Afterwards, I just heard a noise and to our amazement, two coconuts dropped to the ground. My friend ran but I stayed, and I gave my thanks to God. That is when my spiritual side kicked off. I knew who God was and from then to now, God is my guide and I have instilled this in all of my children. My family is built on my faith in God.
My son, Jesse, is almost a duplicate of me. Whilst growing up, I got sick very often, so much so that the people around would tell my mother to forget about me. I remember the echoes of these words, “Forget this boy, he not doing nothing, he just one way, one way all the time.” According to my mother, I proved them wrong and at the age of one, I was able to sit up for the first time. Today, at the age of 50, I stand tall. I reflect on those words and the courage God gave me then, and I get the motivation to continue pushing during the downsides of life.
I have four sons and a year ago, I was blessed with a precious little girl. Nine-year-old Jesse is the last of my four boys. One day, I came home from work and my wife showed me a boil at the side of Jesse’s mouth which caused his face to be swollen. Jesse however, was amused with his face, he was everything but sad. The next day it got bigger and we went to the emergency department where they thought it was a dental issue, so it was removed. Unfortunately, it grew back, and this time, it was the size of a golf ball. He was rushed to emergency again.
The doctors ran tests and that’s when we learnt about the dreaded childhood cancer, rhabdomyosarcoma. My wife and I were devastated. We questioned God asking, “Why our child?” Our minds were clouded by the awful things we heard on the television about cancer.
Jesse, to me, is different from the rest. Even as a child growing up, he would do things that were out of the box. I remember this one time I was on the bed playing with him and I pretended to play ‘dead’. My eyes were closed and I was just lying there. To my amazement, Jesse put his mouth over my mouth and started to blow. I have never taught him CPR and he was only two years old. I was so surprised at his level of brilliance. Whether he learnt it on television or not, I was impressed that he immediately knew what to do.
He has fought many battles. He had the hand, foot, and mouth disease as a toddler but he conquered that with discipline. Some time ago, we got into an accident. Someone ran into the back of our car where Jesse was seated. He was unhurt and we got a driver to take him to school. One day while journeying to school, the same accident replayed and once again Jesse was in the back but unhurt. The final straw is his cancer diagnosis.
Jesse has been through a lot but he is still here and definitely has a purpose. He manages to put on a smile no matter what happens. I have so many good times with him. I will always remember the first time we carried Jesse to the beach. He loves water but he does not know how to swim. He gets a rush of energy every time he sees water. Seeing his innocence and happiness warms my heart. I cannot wait until he is cancer free to reward him with swimming lessons.
Jesse leaves an impression on everyone he meets.
I too, faced some emotional hardships whilst growing up so I am able to understand Jesse’s emotions. We have a great relationship, he really opens up to me. He is my miracle boy. Everywhere Jesse goes, he excels. He is naturally favoured and his energy is one that makes everyone feel comfortable. Jesse is a loving, thoughtful little fella. He loves to share and he will not hesitate to give his last. I am so proud to have this little boy in my life. I believe that God has bigger things in store for him. He is already cured.
On a positive note, having all my children is an experience that I will relive. My eldest son is 30 years old and the youngest is one year old. My hands are full and my children make me proud. As a father, people will expect you to be the happiest and strongest but it is far from that sometimes. Dads break down too, but my family is always there to pick up the pieces. Whether I have a good day or bad day, I know I’m coming home to my family members and their care and support gives each bad day a good ending. My children are my strength and what I live for. Hats off to all dads who are the best in all they do.”
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
Chevaughn Joseph
Please follow us on Instagram : The Just Because Foundation
Email your comments to : justbecausefoundation07@gmail.com
FB – The Just Because Foundation – Page
YouTube Channel – The Just Because Foundation