A sister’s Journey: Navigating Through a Brother’s Addiction, Family Turmoil and Pathways to Healing
By Rtn Hadijah Nankanja
On Friday, December 8, 2023, I was at the main gate of Butabika Hospital at 6.05 am. Reason? Joining the Soul Foundation team as a volunteer for their 4th annual Cookout Festival for patients and staff of the hospital.
A few weeks back, in one of the many groups I am in, a flyer was shared and I immediately contacted the person and signed up! What caught my eye was this year’s theme, “UNITING IN LOVE TO HEAL FAMILIES’. When I asked why that theme, Ms. Gerry Opoka the team lead at Soul Foundation explained that usually the focus is on the patients and this time
she decided to focus on what families of patients have to navigate as they find solutions, and it hit home!
In the tumultuous landscape of family life, some chapters etch deep scars upon the heart, a story of my family’s unwavering love entwined with the agony of witnessing a beloved member succumb to the clutches of addiction. This is a tale not only of my strife but a family journey punctuated with brokenness, resilience and the pursuit of healing.
I was so elated and first of all the number of volunteers that showed up to support the cause. Making lunch for 1500 both patients and staff on time is no easy task! Our head Chef, Mr. Gonahasa gave us prior warning that it’s going to be hard and we should get ready to be snapped at! None of that happened at all, by 10 am almost all was done he reported
that we could slow down. We had soul-rejuvenating tea, snacks, and music and the chapatti-making section had the best vibe!
The most humbling moments were patients jumping in to help, especially at the chicken section, cleaning, singing, dancing when they could and taking time to speak to us.
By one clock sharp, we were ready to serve, the patients were so excited and one of them had sternly warned us in the morning” Do whatever running around you are doing, but if you serve beans today you will see!’. As volunteers, we had a choice to serve either the male or female wards. As a person who has been affected, I chose to prepare for service but did not go to the wards. I stayed behind talking to other volunteers and the stories shared resonated with me very well. Many have had family members who had similar challenges and some lost life to addiction.
Living and supporting a family member with addiction has had me carry weight and chaos no one understands. My family which was a sanctuary of love is now a battleground with unspoken anguish. There is a strain on the family relationships, the rift has grown wider and sometimes feel stranded in a sea of brokenness. Serving as a volunteer with Soul Foundation shed light on many issues and exemplified redemption and courage.
While scars may linger, there is a beacon of hope for those navigating similar journeys reminding us that healing and unity are attainable even amidst the greatest trials.
The writer is a member of the Rotary Club of Kampala-Naalya