Thankful note of solidarity
By Ngor Arol Garang
October 25, 2013 – Sometimes one does not know ones real friends until when certain issues arise or when unexpected things occur. So is the true meaning of a saying in the Dinka Malual community that “God makes me sick so that I know my real friends”.
When I suddenly and unexpectedly became unwell on the evening of Friday 18 October, following the unfortunate ingress of a flying insect, running as if it was being chased into my nose, blocking airway and subsequently causing riling pain, I found myself suddenly rushed to Saint Luke International Medical Centre. No time was wasted by those who came to my rescue.
They did not hesitate to assist even when I thought they would only say a mere sorry, just as any human being would not wish another human misfortune, especially if they do not harbour known grudges. It was a very difficult moment not worth forgetting, but thanks Almighty God the Father in heaven and my courageous soul that I did not break down, notwithstanding the agonising pain I underwent. This support by friends, whom the family and I are still dumbfounded at the way they reacted, demonstrated the true meaning of some attributes of good citizens. They responsively exhibited empathy, care and share of pain.
Indeed I don’t have an animated word to describe how, brother Abraham Alier Jok, brother Alex Musa, Sister Rose Adut, sister Ayen, brother Johnson Mawien Kuc and brother Philip Marol , all of them people I did not have close relations prior to the incident, momentously displayed care. They acted in a manner reflective of the biblical teaching which focuses on loving, giving, caring, kind and making sacrifices. Not only did they rush me to one of the best facilities in town in term of respond to the clients but equally made sure that they made necessary contacts with my immediate family members to inform them about what transpired.
For solid three days in hospital bed, people have been reaching out to me in a way that has touched my heart and the family. Some are people I and the family members know and others were completely new faces, most of them are my clients, people who say admired by opinion articles. I am humbled that there are people in the country who finds the relevance in what I write and regrets not being able to mention names all those who came to visit me. I would therefore like to formally express my sincere group “thank you”. Your support has helped get through the incident.
I am equally grateful to colleagues at Sudan Tribune, especially those who could not have the opportunity to visit me at the time I was admitted because of distance involved but who showed concern and expressed solidarity with me and the family. I must also not forget to recognise the support of my family members who expressed deep concern and uneasiness. I could see the level of concern when some of them could not hide feelings linking the incident to being bewitched, suggesting that I could have been taken to a witch doctor if I were in the village. The telephone calls I have had over the past two days with those in the diaspora to express solidarity have added a touch of cordiality that I must accept being humbled by their comfort. I repeat thank you all for the kindness and assistance you provided while in bed.
Ngor Arol Garang is a South Sudanese Journalist based in Juba. He writes for SudanTribune.com. He is reachable at [email protected]