'After fighting cancer, I speak about happiness more'
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Sister Lee Hae-in, 72, a Catholic nun and poet, speaks during a media conference for her new book “Happiness of Waiting,” at the Benedict Home of Grace in Yongsan, Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap
Sister Lee Hae-in publishes new book
By Park Jin-hai
“After fighting cancer, I started using more words like happiness and enjoyment which I didn’t use often before. I realized that pain can become an opportunity for blessing,” said sister Lee Hae-in, 72, a Catholic nun and poet, during a media conference for her new book “Happiness of Waiting,” at the Benedict Home of Grace in Yongsan, Seoul, Tuesday.
Speaking of the 2015 rumor that she had died, and that a poem circulating on the internet was her last work, Lee smiled and said, “I could forgive the fake news, but I can’t go easy on the fake poem.”
“Happiness of Waiting” is her newest book since “As If Leaves Are Seen After Flowers Fall” was published in April, 2011.
It contains words of love and encouragement that she has discovered in the happy trivialities of her daily life while fighting cancer. She was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2008 and has been fighting it for nine years.
“When I started cancer treatment, I declared that I will take it as a happy treatment and I haven’t cried or even made the smallest complaints about my disease.
“But, ahead of my first surgery, I was deeply worried because my condition was really bad. Then I received a text message from my doctor, who said, ‘Think of it this way. You receive a big repair to your body to have healthier body.’ It gave me great encouragement and strength and I realized the power of words and a positive mind more than any other time.
There I made up my mind to say more words that can give courage to people in pain, and this is why my new book contains prayers for patients and the lonely elderly.”
Along with her prayers and thoughts, her book also contains several excerpts of letters exchanged with the late revered monk Beopjeong with whom she had many things in common regarding observing life and gratitude beyond their religions, and late novelist Park Wan-suh.
The last chapter of the book is for herself. Marking Lee’s 50th anniversary of taking her religious vows next year, the chapter contains a compilation 140 of her daily journal entries written in 1958, the year she took them.
Recalling almost half a century ago, Lee said, “Before I never imagined myself today. I used to visit the convent to see my older sister, a nun, and I came to like the place. As part of a generation who experienced Korean War, I also realized that everything in the world should have an end. Then I thought it might be great to devote my youth for the happiness of all and a good cause. I think I was full of love for all mankind.”
Her sister Lee In-suk died last month. “When I began, I felt some fear and doubt if I could continue, but now I came here. I’m grateful that I have this great peace I’m in, which I wouldn’t have had if I stopped in the middle, and I’m proud of myself.”