The painful death of Chadwick Boseman, our Black Panther hero, kept me reflecting.
He was diagnosed of stage three Colon cancer in 2016 and died yesterday the 28th of August at the age of 43.
This means that . . .
For four years, this actor was battling colon cancer personally.
For four years, he was going through chemotherapy while still shooting movies.
For four years, the reality that he might not make it was something he had to deal with.
Yet, it was within these same four years that a lot of us got to know him and became personally attached to him as our superhero.
It was within these four years he shot most of the movies that will keep his memory indelible for life, the greatest of which is the 2018 blockbuster, Black Panther.
How many of us who saw Black Panther and even those who had the opportunity to meet him one on one in cinemas after seeing the movie would have guessed that he was fighting a more fierce life and death battle inside of him?
The point is, we all have our inner battles hidden behind our fine suits and gowns and smiles, please be nice!
His death cut deep into the hearts of many of us his fans, but assuming he did not push on in doing what he liked doing despite his condition, I don't think many of us would have known him.
The point is, your greatest impact might be those moments you might consider as your worst moments in life, keep pushing, you have no idea how many people you are inspiring.
According to report, Chadwick died with his wife and family by his side. This says a lot. The family was with him all through. While the rest of the world saw him as a TV Superhero, the family saw more than that, they saw in him a real life Superhero fighting real life battle without allowing it to define him.
Friends, we all need real life support system, people we can always run to amidst all what outsiders define us to be. If I have decided to give my heart to you, if I bring you close to me as family, as lover, as confidant, as best friend, it is because I want you to understand me for who I am and not what people think I am, please don't break my heart.
Your love is all that matters, the greatest cancer is your betrayal, judgements and condemnation. Will you still love me even when you see my inner weaknesses? I ask you dearest, will you be there even at my death bed?
Rest in peace King T'Challa!
