A miracle called Bobby Joseph

“Living with cancer is not easy but it has made every single day a special one for me,” says Robert “Bobby” Joseph with a big, accepting smile on his face. He was diagnosed of having cancer of the kidney in 2002.

Since that initially painful discovery nine years ago, Bobby’s life has been changed for the better. Knowing that his time on earth is limited, that only God knows how much or how little time he has left, he began to spend more quality time with his family and friends. He was overcome by an urgency to work harder towards his advocacies. Although he had to rest three to four times a day, he was still able to publish pamphlets and books, organize the Tourism Educators and Movers (TEAM Phil), Fair Open Skies to Save Our Skies Movement, Tourism Watch and an online travel publication.

“When I first discovered that I had cancer, I felt like a big block of stone hit my emotions. In deep despair, I immediately surrendered to the Lord without question, asking him to give me all the guidance and support. God has answered my fervent prayer,” adds Bobby, also the honorary consul of Latvia.

In 2007, his cancer has grown to stage 4 because the cancer cells have metastasized to his lungs, throat and heart. The miracle here is that Bobby is still able to maintain an active life that he devotes to his loved ones and many advocacies. Yes, living with cancer is not a deterrent to slow him down from achieving. On the other hand, he is inspired more than ever knowing that he is creating a truly significant and timeless legacy of making the world a better place for others.

Their family business Ralph’s Wines, which he actively participates in, is still one of the leaders in the liquor industry. He gleefully announces that his doctors permit him to consume two glasses of wine per week, travel around the country and abroad to give seminars, attend conferences and conventions, which he thoroughly enjoys.

(Seated, from left) River, Bobby, Ida and Richard Joseph; (standing, from left) Lyle, Rea and Gavin Gonzalez, Robi Joseph, Riza and Luke Yuhico.

“Looking back, my cancer turned out to be a blessing that brought me closer to my family. I consider them to be my greatest treasures in the whole world. My wife, Ida Manalo Joseph, and I have been married since 1979,” he says.

How did Ida react to the news? Playfully he says in between laughter, “My wife changed a lot… no more nagging!” Instead she pampers him with lavish attention and humbly calls herself his “secretary forever.”

The concern and endless support that he receives from his children bring him strength. His eldest child Robi, 31, who gives marketing support for the Philippine Wine Merchants/Ralph’s Wines and Spirits, showers him with love and encouragement. He also derives inspiration and strength from his daughters Rea, 29, an industrial engineer with the LA County Waterworks Division; and Riza, 25, a CPA in Syracuse, New York; and sons Richard, 21, a Physical Therapy student in UST; and River, 12, a student at the De La Salle Zobel.

Bobby says the support he gets from his brothers is instrumental in keeping his unyielding will to live each day with hope and happiness. “I thank my brothers Ralph, Ronald and Raymond who continue to support me and make me smile.”

At this stage in his life, Bobby draws happiness not from material acquisitions but from seeing happy people. “I am happy when I motivate people to be a catalyst of change. I am happy when I see progressively minded individuals with confidence and competence.  Happiness starts within my family, friends, associates and the members of the academe and students. Young or old, one should never stop learning.”

Bobby avoids dwelling in negative situations. It makes him sad to witness people who waste valuable time causing intrigues, or cheating others or not using their potentials to the fullest by being lazy. Bobby sees time as a valuable commodity that is too precious to waste.

How does he cope with pain? “I look at the gain when I am in pain. The gains include my family, friends, prayers, reunions. With pain, I become more inspired to be a catalyst of change, reaching out to the needy, being a motivator to others.”

His infirmity does not cow Bobby to set his priorities. Aside from his wife and children and his brothers, Bobby also makes sure their employees who have been working with them for the last 35 years and their company’s supporters and alliances are well taken care of.

Bobby chooses to see the upside of his sickness. He considers himself very fortunate that he was given some sort of warning so he can “prepare for myself and my loved ones.” Bobby says he is thankful that his system is responding to medication and though he has days when he feels weak after a chemo session, he manages to recover and bounce back into work and is able to pursue his passions.

“I talk to God a lot and thank Him for giving me a life of adventure. I am grateful to Him for allowing me to share my blessings and my gifts. I always ask God for forgiveness for my inequities and shortcomings. And I also pray that He continues to bless me with a sense of humor and a lot of laughter for the day.”

With a heart overflowing with loving kindness, gratitude and inspiration, Bobby looks forward to each meaningful day. Despite his illness, he says life is good and he cannot complain. He concludes, “Life is how you see it. Then you make it.”

(Would love to hear from you at mailto:miladayjewels@yahoo.com)