Like many sickle cell survivors, Iyanu Tinubu used to be scared that she could die anytime. For the past 15 years, whenever Iyanu falls sick and is experiencing crisis, she questions God on why she has the sickle cell disease.
Some times, she has asked God to just take her away. However, something changed one day and she decided to accept who she is and intentionally live in the moment.
Read her story below
I AM A SICKLE CELL WARRIOR!! Yes, a warrior! Not a patient cause i have fought and have won.?? For the first time in years, i have the confidence to actually share this.
For the past 18 years, ever since i knew i have sickle cell disorder, I always had this notion that I WAS GONNA DIE SOON. Like every time i am sick, i just pray to God. ” Please take me away instead, this pain is too much for me to handle.” My mum will always cry. My parents felt guilty. I would always question God “WHY ME?? Out of everybody, why me?” For the past 15 years, i complained and i never got an answer. Never complain to God. After a while, i realized that God does everything for a purpose. I know he has a purpose for me and for you too, so don’t grumble. Be patient.
AM I HAPPY BEING A SICKLE CELL WARRIOR? ——->
To be sincere, NO.
But there is nothing i can do about it. There is no point being sad or depressed about it.
HOW DO I STAY HAPPY?
I don’t know!! i am just always happy cause i am alive.
HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MYSELF??
Hmm, God helps but i also do my part by taking my drugs, regular checkup, doing the right thing etc.
In secondary school and first year in the university, i had this compartment of my bag that was for drugs alone. It smelt like hospital. I was so ashamed opening that part cause i didn’t want people to ask me “Why are you using drugs?? ” Are you sick??” i hated those questions cause i didn’t want to be treated as a weak child.??
DO I HAVE ANY FEARS??
Obviously i do. I am scared that i might not achieve all i want to do. I am scared that i might not marry. I am scared of being pushed aside. I am scared of being left alone but do i really care?? Not really. I am just living in the moment. I am just looking at where God is taking me to and where life is taking me to. Being a sickle cell warrior doesn’t define who i am and who i am gonna be. So whatever you are going through now doesn’t define you.
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DEAR YOUNG NAIJA WOMAN, CLICK!
