Fate gives a chance....

by Manjula Fernando

Once a successful dry fish trader, he was the owner of many properties. His was a beautiful life with two young sons and a faithful wife. They had nothing to complain. His occupation was to sell dry fish in village fairs and he led a life of a leading businessman in his village.

It was during this time that his wife made a proposal to build a new house. Heeding her wishes Jagath made plans without delay. It was to be a spacious house. After all he had all the means to build it.

It was around this time that he felt gravely ill and faintish all the time. He found it hard to concentrate on his business. He was admitted to Ragama Hospital for treatment and after many tests the doctors dropped the bombshell, he had cancer and it covered his entire thyroid gland (Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland).

He thought why should this happen at this time? Jagath fought with his emotions and concluded that all beings must die one day and it was nothing unique to him.

He was referred to the Cancer Hospital, Maharagama. After two months of treatment at Ward No.12 including surgical removal of the cancer in a major operation that lasted for hours, he returned home permanently handicapped.

His voice has returned to a great extent but he cannot engage in work that is exhausting. Jagath laments that he has become an invalid and a burden to his family and living a life in this way, for a hard working man is torture. Their wealth has been exhausted on his long and painful recovery. He used to be a man of pride and pleading from others for help was not his norm.

With the husband rendered this way, his wife took up the responsibility of feeding their family. The two children, aged 10 and seven were schooling and their needs were endless. She began making 'murukku' on loaned flour and supplied packets to local shops as a means of income.

Life can be cruel indeed. Recently the doctors of Prof. Ranil Fernando's ward at Ragama Hospital recommended that she needed surgery on her hand for a condition that made two of her fingers numb. By today she has undergone surgey and is at home under strict medical advice to rest her hands for sometime. Jagath finally made up his mind and decided to seek help.

His plea is not for finances but support to begin a self-employment project. He is seeking help either to buy a three-wheeler or help to start some kind of business he could engage in to support his family. His address R.P.K.Jagath Prasanna, 515/1, Arangawa, Horampella, Minuwangoda. He could be contacted by 0776135064 and his Bank Account - Commercial Bank Minuwangoda Branch No.8330027439.