A message from the president

My dear friends

Thank you very much for the messages of support and prayers. I came back from the hospital on Saturday. The trip and the stay in hospital took their toll on my weak body; my strength levels are quite low.

As it turned out, my pulmnologist Dr Mike van der Linde moved over from Entabeni Hospital to the new Ethekwini Hospital, so, this time I was admitted to the latter. My ENT specialist Dr Garth Skinner came over to assess my current condition.

Thankfully, tests allayed fears of some stubborn infection or pneumonia. You will remember that it was pneumonia that led to the collapse of my left lung in May 2004.

On the other hand, it became clear that, as Motor Neuron Disease would have it, further weakening of the muscles is causing additional complications.

As I lay in hospital on Friday I had one of those 'light' moments. I had an inner chuckle as I thought to myself that humanly speaking I am 'expired goods.' If that is the case, why don't I accept the reality and sink quietly into the grave?

Talking about throwing in the towel, I am reminded of words from a song we sang with the Dlangezwa High School Boys' Choir,

"Adieu Adieu kind friends Adieu
I can no longer stay with you
I'll hang my harp on the weeping tree
And may the world go well with thee."

My wife, my children and the family have walked this difficult but blessed path with me. Speak to them and you will see for yourself why a man with such staunch and loving support cannot but walk on.

Just think of it; the team of carers have to take turns at my bedside, round the clock, seven days a week, all holidays included. They do not give up. How dare I?

It is touching to see how my friends from different parts of the world have faithfully stood behind me in a situation of, humanly speaking, hoping against hope.

You should been there last Thursday morning to see how the brothers turned out to make sure that the transfer from the house into the vehicle ran smoothly. When we returned on Saturday they were waiting at my house. From their smiling faces I know that they are not about to give up on me.

Our family doctor Albu van Eeden, the pulmnologist Dr Mike van der Linde and the ENT specialist Dr Garth Skinner would have the facts on their side if they told me that they have come to their wit's end because my case is beyond the back covers of the books there are on MND. Yet, I see them diligently scratching their heads far brainwaves that could help towards curbing some complications.

Rev Stegen, the director of KwaSizabantu, a leader and a father to me, is a model of faith and perseverance. His prayers for me today are as fervent as they were in 2000. Give up or persevere? Do I have a choice?

Above all else, the Lord who honoured me by pulling my young heart to Himself in 1970 and called me into His service in 1977 has not yet told me it is 'supper time' in my heavenly home. For now, mine is to press on, fight on and toil on.

Until ...?

Until, as the song goes,

"When from earth, Thou, Lord, shalt call me,
Calm I’ll lay my burden down;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Thou remainest, Christ, my crown."

Have a blessed weekend.
Pressing on!

In His love

Fano Sibisi

Expired? - 4 February 2009