A Close Call: Almost losing my life, finding my family

When Life Suddenly Changes

In July 2012, I (Anil) was diagnosed with colorectal cancer, and the world we had carefully built came crashing down around us.

Cancer, to us, was something that happened to people we knew from a distance—never something we imagined would hit so close to home. When it arrived unannounced, it was a rude awakening for our family. At first, there was silence. We were too shocked to react, unsure of what to do next.

All Work and No Play

Anil’s Reflection

Let me share what my life priorities looked like before this diagnosis. I come from a religious family—one that went to church every Sunday and prayed daily. Yet, I placed my professional career above everything else—above God and even my family.

My daily routine involved working 12–15 hours almost every day—at the office, at home, and during travel. The time I spent with my wife, children, and parents was minimal, and that was a conscious choice I made while climbing the corporate ladder. My time, I felt, was not something they could claim.

I vividly remember returning home after a month-long work trip, lifting my son, and realizing he didn’t fit into my arms the way he had before. He had grown—and I wasn’t there to see it. I felt bad, but I justified it by telling myself I was doing all this for them, so they shouldn’t complain.

Sunitha’s Perspective

Two and a half years ago, everything seemed normal. Like any couple, we had our share of arguments—about Anil coming home late, not sharing household responsibilities, or not spending enough time with the children.

I clearly remember how our son, Neil, would ask us to pray together as a family. Anil was often so busy with work calls that we would end up skipping family prayer. When Neil wanted to play football with his father, Anil was usually occupied, and I would step in to play football or cricket with him.

At one point, Neil even said that “Dada only wants to work.” That impression—whether intentional or not—was deeply painful.

The Menace of Cancer and the Solace of Prayer

Anil’s Journey Through Treatment

When we met the doctors, they advised immediate treatment. But they were also clear—treatment was no guarantee of complete recovery, and even if I survived, life would never be “normal” again.

We were shattered. We could barely make it through our daily prayers without breaking down in tears. For me, this was a moment of surrender—realizing that no amount of hard work or planning could protect my life or my family.

That was when I slowly accepted that God had a plan and that He would give us the grace to endure. We did what we knew best—we prayed.

I began chemotherapy and radiation. Forty-five days later, my body started giving up. I lost 25 kilograms. My body stopped producing fighter cells and no longer responded to life-saving drugs. I had a persistent high fever—ranging from 100 to 103 degrees—for almost a week.

On the fourth night, barely able to stand, I held Sunitha’s hand and dedicated my life completely to God.

Sunitha’s Trial of Faith

The days following the treatment were filled with emotional, physical, and mental trauma. At one point, I was told my husband might not survive the next day and that I should inform everyone.

In a split second, images of our children, our future, and our entire life flashed before me. Yet, God gave me strength and reminded me again and again that He was with us—and if He was with us, nothing could stand against us.

Anil began to recover miraculously. After returning home, he underwent surgery and completed the remaining treatment in Vellore. His immunity was extremely low—our children were not allowed to touch him or even come close, for fear of infection.

Our children were just seven and five years old, yet they showed remarkable maturity. They understood the situation and allowed me to care for their father. I was torn between caring for Anil—who, due to treatment, sometimes needed me like a child—and being emotionally present for the children.

It was incredibly difficult, but God gave me the grace to endure it all.

A Second Chance at Life

Anil’s New Perspective

To summarize this long journey—it was filled with sickness, pain, fear, and many close calls. But I also experienced a divine encounter that changed my life forever.

I completed my treatment on March 1, 2013. After regular follow-ups, the doctors confirmed that my recovery was complete. I am healed.

Through this journey, I learned what truly matters.

My priorities are now reordered:
God first, then my family, friends, and finally my career.

It hasn’t been easy, but by clearly communicating these priorities at work, I’ve been able to lead a more content and meaningful life.

Being There Is What Truly Counts

To everyone running relentlessly in the rat race—I want to say this:

During treatment, it wasn’t my professional achievements that sustained me. It was the memories of time spent with my children and loved ones. I didn’t miss office work or colleagues—I missed my children.

I missed holding them, talking to them, listening to how their day went. I longed to be available—to play when my son called, to listen to my daughter’s stories, to pray together, to help them through their struggles.

I realized I was irreplaceable to them—and deeply convicted that I hadn’t done enough when I had the chance. My greatest desire was simply to be given another opportunity to treasure time with my family.

Sunitha’s Closing Reflection

Anil realized the value of family only after walking through this experience. In trying to impress his workplace, he missed the beautiful blessings God had already given us.

My message is simple:
Do not wait for a crisis to recognize God’s blessings.
Do not take people—or life itself—for granted.

A Final Word from Anil

Before cancer, I was an absentee father—present only occasionally. After this journey, I made a promise, one I hope every father makes:

I will be available—for the small moments and the big ones.
I will place my family before work and ambition.

Because to a company, I am replaceable.
To my family, I am not.

I was given a second chance to re-prioritize my life. Many are not. Sometimes we realize too late—when the nest is empty and opportunities are gone.

Let us set things right before it’s too late.
Please don’t wait for death to knock before making the call.