Part 1 - 10th Anniversary of a Wonderful Journey

Hi everyone,

1st November 2013 is a significant milestone in my journey of life, as it marks the 10th Anniversary of the beginning of a remarkable chapter of my life.

I have Alopecia Areata since young and then it rapidly developed to Alopecia Universalis within a several months just before my 17th birthday in 2001. The hair on my scalp fell off significantly (>90%) followed by my eyebrows, eyelashes, arm hairs and the rest is history.

It was extremely tough to deal with the sudden massive hairloss psychologically and socially as I retreat myself in the comfort of my house and a baseball cap whenever there is a need for me to go outdoor. I never know why I loss my hair, never know that there were people out there who shared my condition for almost two full years until 1st November 2003.

1st November 2003 was the day when I first discovered and officially get in touch a wonderful group of people sharing my condition on a support website called "Alopecia Areata Support Community".

From the online community I've met a group of wonderful people where the seeds of friendship were planted into our hearts and lives.

From then, friendships have been blooming like spring. Many thousands of miles have been traveled to spend quality time together including special events like, group gathering, wedding, New Year's celebration and Christmas Day.

Sunflower is symbol of my friendships and it has been my favourite flower since. The Lord has been kind enough bless my life with so many people that has never fail to touch of my heart many times.

There is so much share on this milestone and days till Christmas 2013. A very special Christmas indeed as it marked the 10th Christmas together in spirits and thoughts with my friends from all around the world.

Joshua

My love for the flower began when one of dear friends Dotty sent me some sunflower seeds from the United States.

This teddy is named "Josh". It reminds me of a very dear couple of my life- Uncle Wilf & Aunty Kath. Aunty Kath has since gone home to be with the Lord in 2012.

In Loving Memory of Kath Ashton



Words can never described how much Aunty Kath had touched my heart within these 7 years of friendship. When words of her passing into heavenly realms at 10.15am, 28th September 2012, my life has darkened, dark black as in a cave, but soon enough a light of hope shines into that "cave" just as the ressurection of Lord Jesus on the 3rd Day after His cruxcificion, beaming a powerful hope that Aunty Kath is in heaven and enjoying the wonderful presence of the Lord and the saints now. Her words and encouragement never fails to move my heart to tears. I miss you really much Aunty Kath, till we meet again in heaven.

Thoughts and prayers are with her beloved husband Uncle Wilf and family and friends. (((HUGS))) to all of you.

Joshua

Quench your real "thirst"

It's been a while since I last posted something. Work has been keeping me occupied most of the time, but being working over-time or stressed about it does not help in finding true satisfaction and fulfilment in life. At the end of the day, a healthy relationship with God is all that matters in addition to healthy relationships with people around us.

I'll spare the audience of this blog  from Malaysia and its political situation at the moment, and share with all of you an article will touch each of our hearts and search for a true meaning in life.

Joshua

Merry Christmas 2011 & Blessed New Year 2012

It's Christmas! This season will not be JOYFUL without the HOPE we found in the First Christmas. May your home and heart be filled with the warmth LOVE of God, family and friends during this season. Jesus Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Shall we all dance with this lovely and lively song "Feliz Navidad" by Michael Buble and Thalia.

Let us dance...

In Everlasting Loving Memory of Terry Gallagher

Terry Gallagher, 48 years was called home to be with the Lord on 27th January 2011. He was a great husband, a great father, a great son, a great coach, a great friend who has fought the good fight, kept the faith and finished the race. Now what is in store for him is a crown of righteousness. He has inspired thousands throughout his life and many many more to come...

Disease, suffering and cancer seem to have win the battle but it has lost war because Terry is now in a perfect place where love, life and good reigns forever and ever.

Terry left behind a great family wife (Mimi), Meghan and Rose (Daugthers) and Tommy (Son), brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, friends...

Visit the following websites for updates and his incredible journey and battle for the past 3 years...and be inspired.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/terrygallagher/journal

As Terry's wife, Mimi always end:

"Hug your loved ones today and everyday. Let those you love know how you feel about them. Count your blessings. Know that God loves you today and always no matter what."

Joshua

Some extra time to think about alopecia

Hi everyone,

It is funny that now I'm waiting for the official news/words from a few potential employers...suddenly, I have so much time for my own...couple of hours of packing or helping others to pack, some jogging, sit-ups and push up...here and there, watch my favourite sitcoms "Everybody loves Raymond"...I still have plenty of time to spare.

Well, it gives me time to think of my alopecia more often, its like I feel more aware of my alopecia than before I was still a full-time student ( happy to say that I WAS a full-time student). So, after so many years of schooling and dealing with alopecia universalis. Now, i'm in the transition period to become a full-time working adult. So, where am I at coping with alopecia? Full acceptance?- I dont think so, its pretty impossible when everyone around you pay so much attention to their hair or people staring at my smooth legs. But I'm not sad with my alopecia but rather I am proud of it. Alopecia has not only define how I look but also how I live my life. A life blessed with so many friends/ angels sent by God.

If God asked me today: would I trade off my friends for my hair back/ a couple of inches taller?....My answer would be an affirmative: NO!

A couple of reasons why I said "NO"...

1. NO. Because beauty comes from within, I may look better with hair and a couple of inches taller...but what do I get in the end of life? No matter what, our body will return to dust one day. 100 years from now, people will not remember how good looking I was but rather how many friends that cherished and celebrate a person's life.

2. NO. Alopecia may have lead me to my friends and how could I abandon my friends just have my hair back? The amount of love, support, prayers and even money pour into shaping who I am today can never be replaced with a full head of hair which would turn gray and decay one day.

So, at the end of the day. I must admit to the fact that world put more/ over emphasis on physical appearance and outward beauty but I will not surrender anything that truly matters in life for physical appearance. A very tough war! And time will only tell that I have make the correct answer...as we all should go for things that will stand the test of time. :)...hair may come and go but genuine friendship will always have a place in your heart and spirit. :)

So, God...I thank YOU for who I am today!

God bless everyone.

Joshua

People sent from heaven

On 15th May 2009, it was exactly the day two years ago when I reached the United States the for first time by boarding a plane with a flight ticket bought by a person (including her wonderful friends & family) that at the end proclaimed that it was a gift from God to her.

Eversince, this question of thought was raised in me "What did I do to deserve such kind and generous treatment?", its been years when I started pondering deeply on the question. I thought from the east to the west in search for the answer, thinking the best things or best attributes I have or done in the past (eventhough it is improper to think highly on one ownself) to deserve such kindness and generosity, but all is in vain...

At last, after nearly two years of search for the answer, the actual answer does not come and cannot be found from me. An answer from heaven has humbled me that it was not really about me, myself or I but the true answer lies within the giver herself.

Just as much as a bird is to fly or a dog is to beg for food :) (Let me try again...)

Just as much as God is to love, the giver herself (which I am the taker/recipient) is generous and kind. Yes, the answer to my question is NOT what I have done or not done or even who I am BUT it is who the giver/ person is WHICH is nothing lesser than a kind and generous soul sent from heaven.

It is not who I am or or what I have done BUT it is about who the giver is WHICH is a kind and generous soul.

I am blessed with so many genuine and kind friends. I thank the LORD everynight for all of you.

Thank you for being yourself/ yourselves, nothing lesser than a kind and generous soul.

Thank you.

Joshua