Sickness And Death

Having to endure both an illness and passing in the family is quite hard; along with the fact that it all happened in 1 week.

My Dad and Uncle (the husband of Mum's sister) were rushed to the hospital almost at the same time. Dad felt faint 2 weekends ago so he had a check-up the following day and was not allowed to go home because he's got an alarmingly low heart rate. While my Uncle had been in the hospital a couple of days earlier because he hasn't been eating for days. He's got a medical condition for months already but was doing alright.

I have been calling constantly a number of times everyday to check on my dearest Father. His heart rate took a long time to go back up to normal and he was also diagnosed with vertigo. Dad was connected to different kind of devices to closely monitor his condition in the ICU. Dad's pretty Nurse/Daughter explained things to me in her language as I try to delineate them in layman's terms.

Then I got a call from my other sister last Wednesday that my Uncle passed away that morning from heart attack. I called Mum and told her to go to her younger sister's side as I'll let Tyn and Sheila look after Dad.

I then called my Aunt. I of course was sad at her Husband's passing but not that emotional as I was never close to him. I respected him as he was the father of my cousins even though he abandoned them during his loaded days and just came back when he's got nothing. (I don't wish to speak ill about the deceased, I am just stating a fact.) My loving Aunt stood by him and I adore her for that. She sounded alright as we started talking and was joking around as she calls me Sheng Long. When I asked her if her daughter who's in Hawaii know about what happened, she started sobbing. She said she felt so alone. I am so weak in moments like that. I started crying too. I went on and told her things to somehow calm her down, till I could not talk anymore so I told her that I'll call again.

I have learned that my Aunt haven't cried yet till the time I talked to her that Wednesday. I am very close to her as I grew up having her as my 2nd Mum. I so wish we can go home to console her. But I check on her from time to time and I know our whole clan is there to embrace her with love and support.

Back to Dad. He was released after about a week in the hospital. He is just resting at home still feeling a bit frail but is doing well.

My Uncle is being put to rest tomorrow; and I pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

What a week that was, sickness and death all in 1 go! Oh, the uncertainties of LIFE!


Gorgeously . . .

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Dinner At Fely J's

This post is still from our 2nd trip to the Philippines last year.

Whenever we go home, my family always make it a point to dine out and spend time together the night before we fly back. Sort of a 'see us off' dinner.

We went to Fely J's in Greenbelt 5 and had these:

My family must be sick of having Filipino dishes whenever we're in town. I don't have it back here and they love me, so they let me. Hahaha! Nothing beats the customary comfort food, especially when you're in your home country.

Another 'must have' when the family is complete . . . a photo-op!

I love this shot of my Little Prince and my folks!

My parents' pride and joy next to Kaiden!

With my equally gorgeous sisters!

Our family pic minus B

The Little One and I miss them so much! If only we can be there in 1 blink!

Gorgeously . . .

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Manila Ocean Park

I should have done this post a long, long time ago, but just could not find enough time to do it. Things came up till I have forgotten about it. Good thing I was cleaning out photo files and saw pics from our 2nd Manila trip last year.


We went to Manila's Ocean Park on a very rainy Friday of 17Jul, our 2nd week there. The Student don't have a class, the Nurse finished her night duty at 0600H, forced the Office Girl to take the day off but let Mum go to work till noon and picked her up. And as you know, Dad is retired.

We went and see the Mermaid Show first.

It was nothing special but the Little Boy liked it. The Nurse and I were teasing the Office Girl to quit her job and try being a performing mermaid because she can do better than those ladies. Just kidding! I know carrying an act like that take some hard work. And I saw how the children and even some adults enjoyed watching a mermaid dance in the water!

Anyways, there was a dry mermaid ready for photo ops so we lined up.

Then we went on inside.

We had fun with these glow in the dark cubes!

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These are 2 of the eating places there,

But we had dinner at Gerry's Grill on the ground floor.

. . . and our peachy family photo sessions!

That was such a fun and amazing day being with the people that I treasure so much! We are one crazy happy family; and doing this post is making me want to go home to be with them!


Gorgeously . . .

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Praying For The Philippines

The recent typhoon "ONDOY" have deluged almost the whole Metro Manila and its nearby provinces. This was said to be the worst so far that Manila had experienced. Almost a month's rain fell in just 6 hours!

We were out the whole day yesterday and wasn't able to get the calls and text messages from my Dad. Just found out all about Manila's flood when we got back last night. I instantly called at home. They were cleaning and sweeping the water out, for the first time. We as a family had never experienced flooding of any sort. That was a first!

When my parents bought the house a year ago, the former owners never mentioned anything about the place getting flooded. I guess partly our fault because we did not survey the place or asked around. Too late now, and surely karma will find its way back to them!

Anyways, I believe that the good Lord looks after my family back in the Philippines all the time. The street always gets inundated even with a few showers, but it never reached our front door. The neighbors were amazed that the house stays dry, unlike when the former owners were still living there. Well, not till yesterday. The water rose up to our family room all the way to the back porch. Dad could not move the cars any higher than where they were.

After everything, I am very thankful that my family are all fine. The flood had receded and they are just cleaning up. They did not lose power nor the water supply. Our relatives were alright as well.

Though I could not help but shed a tear to those who have lost their houses or have their homes get submerged in water, and worst, those who died.

I hope and pray help got to those who are in dire need of rescuing. God bless them!

Gorgeously . . .

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Happy Birthday SHEILA!

A sister can be seen as someone who is both
ourselves and very much not ourselves

- a special kind of double.

Happy, happy birthday, my equally gorgeous twin! I continue to pray for you as you (hopefully) go on the road to maturity! I am proud and happy that you are somehow starting to make a life of your own, with your work and all. Though your job just seems like going on a hospital duty when you were still in school; with Dad still driving you to the hospital. You'll always be a "baby" to Mum and Dad! I hope those work issues you have gets resolve soon. I believe you're doing good and most of your co-workers can attest to that, so don't worry about it. I guess you are bound to occasionally encounter nutty patients, but as long as you are following protocol, you'll be alright.

Anyways, have a wonderful day and stay fabulous! Luv yah!

P.S.
Enjoy that watch!

Gorgeously . . .

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A Time To Mourn

I want to express my sincerest gratitude to those who sent condoling messages. You have somehow comforted us as we grieve. Thank you so much!

I decided not to blog for a while, till after the 9th day of my Father-in-Law's passing. We are all doing alright. Still trying to cope with the fact that Pop is gone.

Even though B's family do not believe in the rites that we, Filipinos have been accustomed to, when someone passes on, I have observed them in my own way. And my family back home offered a special mass for Pop's 9th day yesterday. All of them got to know him, with the exception of my youngest brother.

Most of the family's friends were asking about the funeral. Well, there's none. Pop never wanted to have one, so we respected his wishes. His remains were cremated last Tuesday and is now with us, together with B's Mum's ashes.

Though we are thinking of holding a remembrance day for him with family and friends.

B said that the death of his Father was harder and more painful than of his Mother, who succumb to cancer 30 years ago. Among all the 5 boys, he was the only one who had been there on their parents' death bed. He feels shallow and numb inside, right now. (Typing this makes my eyes swell . . .)

Anyways, we told the Little One that he can talk to Poppy anytime that he wants. B put Pop's urn in our formal lounge till he and his 2 other brothers decide what to do with their parents' ashes.

For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.
~William Penn

Gorgeously . . .

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The Inevitable Happened . . .

My dearest Father-in-Law passed away last Friday night.

We are thankful that Pop passed on peacefully, no pain or struggle. And the most important thing, he did not die alone. B, Kaiden and I were there to keep him company during his final moments here in the mortal world. Pop had lived a long life and it is his time to rest and be with his wife and 2 of his 5 sons. It was very hard for him having been able to see his Other Half and 2 children go before him. But he is with them now.

We will forever miss a lot of things about Pop, as we pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

Gorgeously . . .

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Praying For My Father-in-Law

The Husband came back home 3 days ago, after almost 2 days of flying! He left Rabat early morning on Sunday and just reached Australia last Tuesday.

I have been mentioning about my sick FiL, who has been in and out of the hospital for about 2 months now. B was staying in Morocco for only 2 weeks then when his brother told him that their Dad's condition is getting worst and he has been asking when B is coming back. Torn between his commitment over there and his responsibility with his Father, he decided to go home and be by his ailing Dad's bedside. He is not happy there either; I'll talk about that in a separate entry.

Pop never knew that B went away to Morocco. He thought all along that he came with us to the Philippines. Pop did not want us to go overseas again, so we said that we'll just be having a break in Manila.

We went to visit Pop last Wednesday and were stunned with his present condition. He looked so frail and have lost a lot of weight. He could not talk clearly and you would have to listen closely. He was also shaking and could hardly open his eyes. B could not take what he was seeing and was starting to break down so he left the room. I am a wimp and I do cry easily. I was trying very hard to put on a brave front. When B came back, I avoided looking into his eyes because I know I won't be able to control my tears any longer.

Pop seems to be so sleepy but B was able to talk to him. When Pop put his hand on B's shoulder and tapped him slowly, that was it for me. I had to go out because I was starting to sob. My FiL is never affectionate to his kids. I have only seen him cuddle and kiss his 3 small grand kids (the Little One included), and would occasionally give me a hug and kiss my forehead when we haven't seen each other for a long time. So seeing him like that to his youngest Son, put a huge lump in my throat. I went down to the coffee shop and stayed there till I had the courage to be strong again. I also texted my family back home to pray for Pop.

The nurse came and we asked a lot about Pop's sudden deterioration. It was hasty for us because we were away for a month. Pop has been drowsy for days because the doctors had to give him some kind of sedative to calm him down. Pop has been agitated lately, refusing to do whatever was asked of him and tried to hurt his carers, wanting to get out of the hospital. They moved him to a more secured area where he was closely monitored. 2 more nurses came to check him and his physiotherapist. They were trying to wake him up but he was unresponsive. The nurse got alarmed and called the doctor, which made us worry too much. His diabetes was high and they could not give him insulin because he haven't eaten yet.

The doctor thinks that Pop was like that because of the sedative. She said his condition goes up and down. If ever he recovers, he won't be the way he was before. That if ever he leaves the hospital, he will surely go straight to a nursing home because he will be needing a 24hour medical care. B asked for Pop's time frame and the doctor responded with uncertainty because they themselves are going through Pop's condition day by day.

We popped in yesterday and had a long talk with Pop's main doctor, after having been visited by his team of doctors. He was the same, if not worst. They will be doing some test because they think his pneumonia is back.

The doctor called B this morning about the test results and it was not good at all. The 3 living sons all agreed to stop the medication but keep him comfortable as possible.

When we got there this morning, I looked at Pop's charts and saw that they have already given him morphine. There were 3 more drugs but the only one I know is morphine. The nurse said that his body is still fighting like hell, though his liver and kidneys are already failing. And his mind seems to be giving away too. He is not responding with anyone. He would open his eyes but it seems unseen.

Pop is on palliative care as of the moment and will soon be moved to a quiet room. We were told that he would not get out from this. There is nothing else we could do, but to pray for what is best for Pop.

Gorgeously . . .

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Happy Birthday JAY!

Yesterday was Tyn's and today is Jay's!

Festivities in the family are on the 1st quarter and middle part of the year. January-MUM, February-DAD, March-JOJO(+) then July-Mum and Dad's Wedding Anniversary and TYN, August-JAY and SHEILA, September-ME.

It would be fun to all be together enjoying every occasion, but I cannot be there all the time. Hay!

Anyways, our youngest is a Freshman in Uni. He said it is awkward and weird having female classmates. He had only male classmates from Nursery to Senior Year, so he is still getting use to having girls in his class. But he is enjoying his Uni life, more freedom now than in High School.

Just sending out warm birthday wishes to my dearest brother and Kaiden's ultra patient playmate back in the Philippines! Have a joyous celebration!

Luv yah BRO!

Gorgeously . . .

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Happy Birthday TYN!

It is my sister Tyn's special day today!

She is not only my sister but my best friend as well! The 2 of us have been through a lot together, from silly cat fights to over the moon euphoria! She is one of the few people who reads me well and knows me from head to foot, inside out.

She has been with us like forever! B treats her like a part of our small family, because she has been with us almost at wherever we went. The Husband is closer to Tyn than Sheila, for she's the one who had spent time with us longer.

We still miss her from time to time, but we're glad she is happy and settled at her job. She's always busy and would sometimes go home late when we were there. So being the eldest, I nag her to get off work early! My bad! LOL!

Anyways, this is another occasion I won't be able to celebrate with the rest of the family. Sigh . . .

Happy, Happy Birthday TYN! Here's wishing that your happiness will be as wonderful as the happiness you have always given me and my family! Good luck with everything that you do and I believe you very well know that we will always and always be here for you. A simple Thank You is not enough to let you know how grateful we are for what you have done and selflessly shared with us. God bless and we love you . . . a lot!

Gorgeously . . .

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The Husband Is Coming Home Too!

After a month of being apart, B is coming back here next week from Morocco. He got so lonely up there without us. My poor Hubby!

But one of the main reason of him leaving there is that his Dad is not doing good. His condition is really deteriorating, especially 2 weeks ago. The Husband don't want to regret not being by his father's side if and when Pop's state turn for the worst.

I visited my brother-in-law the other day to give our pasalubongs to Kaiden's cousins, and asked about Pop. He said Pop's condition from last week is contrary to what he is lately. He still have pneumonia but can now drink, his diabetes is stable and the rest of his illnesses seems to be on the mend. That's good news!

I wanted to visit him but I'm afraid to drive that far alone. B said to just wait for him and we'll go together. I got Pop a Manila shirt. He loves those Philippine-inspired shirts I have given him that's why I always get one whenever we go back home to the Philippines. His favorite was the one with a jeepney in it. It feels great how he wears them with pride. He said he cannot travel anymore and go back to Manila again, but he can still wear one!

I do hope and pray Pop will still be able to live longer. I want the Little One to grow up having his Poppy around. We have been in and out of Australia since Kaiden was born and just go home for holidays; mostly just a month's time. So our Son did not get to really bond with his Poppy, unlike his cousins who are growing up with him. But I must say that those 2 (Kaiden and Pop) always have fun whenever they are together. Pop tries his best to keep up with our tireless Little Boy! Even when he was hospitalized, he entertains Kaiden with things around his room; like his hospital bed, light, and even when his new pacemaker was put in. He was teasing him that he will be coming with us to the Philippines with an oxygen tank in tow!

Talking about my Father-in-Law makes me miss him. I somehow got used to visiting him everyday in the hospital. And I know for sure having us there do brighten up his day.

Anyways, I am really glad that B is coming home. Kaiden and I will only be alone for a week. I will be turning the lights on overnight just in that time. As I have mentioned before, my silly imagination runs wild as soon as the sun sets in and darkness envelopes the house. I keep most of the lights on, same with the radio all night. I just want to hear some noise rather than complete silence or just the air con. I know you might say that I'm too old for that crap, but I get spooked easily!

That's all. Just want to end this post on a lighter note.

Gorgeously . . .

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Spending Time With My Sibs

Kaiden and I often go out on our own this time. My sisters and brother have different work and school schedules. Though it is mostly Sheila who keeps us company after her shift in the hospital, then Tyn would just meet us in the mall after office. We would also go out when Jay is off from Uni.

We have our own room here in the house but the Little One and I sleeps and stays at my sisters' bedroom; forcing the girls to let us! LOL! Jay would sometimes stay in the room and watch TV with us.

When everyone is at home, there is an abundance of food because we simply love to eat! We most of the time have food delivered. I love how most food shops here delivers, unlike in Australia and Latvia.

So when my siblings were all free last week, we met at the mall and just hang out there. Kaiden loves being surrounded by his loving Aunts and Uncle! They tease him all the time which makes being together a lot more fun!

Sheila likes to eat at A Veneto which is situated along with the other restos outside Glorietta 3; so that was where we went for dinner and had these:

Wasn't able to get pics of the other food we ordered because they came late and I forgot to take a shot of it.

That Italian place is quite good, has adequate food choices with reasonable price list. You just have to ignore some of their staff sleeping on the side tables.

We had a good time while we were there, enjoying each other's company!

Gorgeously . . .

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. . . Not In The Eyes Of God And Jesus!

B, Kaiden and I are frequent visitors of my F-i-L everyday since he was confined back to the hospital last Friday. We went there straight from the Little One's school the other day. Pop wants to go home so bad because his specialists have suggested that it will be good for him to go into a Nursing Home; where he will have a 24 hour medical care. He keeps on insisting that he is well enough to look after himself; when the truth is, he no longer can do things alone. He said he will be better at home because he can walk around, unlike just sitting around in his hospital room.

He has not been feeling well for a long time now; and do not tell the doctors what he truly feels. His pacemaker makes his heart work its best for his ripe age of 88. His diabetes goes up and down, though the doctors are not worried about it.

When B went out to talk to the nurse, Pop was having a hard time putting his oxygen back to his nose; he kept on putting it to his mouth. Kaiden and I helped him with it. I almost cried just looking at him, wishing we could do something to make him feel better.

B went to visit his Dad alone yesterday, to talk him into going to a home. He was able to talk to Pop's doctors. They said he must really be on a round the clock care because he could die just anytime. He could not afford to contract any infection because it will surely bring him down. The specialists did not give a time frame, for Pop can live longer provided he live a healthy life with up-to-the-minute intake of medicines and shots.

Since Pop refused to go to a Nursing Home, B suggested that maybe they can send a nurse 3 times a day to check on him at his home. Pop might just die himself down in a home, since he dislike being in that place. He is so independent that he thinks being in a home means a person is useless.

Anyways, B and I had a very interesting answer from Our Son when we told him that we should pray for Pop to get better.

His answer was:
"Poppy is only sick in people's eyes but not in the eyes of God and Jesus!"




We sat there astounded with what our little 5 year old just said! It is true!

Gorgeously . . .

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Visiting Pop

I call my Father-in-Law Pop, Kaiden calls him Poppy.

B rushed his Dad to the hospital 11 days ago when he complained that he is having breathing problems everytime he lays down. We also learned that he had a hypo (low sugar level) that caused him to pass out. If not for B's nephew who saw him down on the floor, the doctors said he would have been gone. You see, my 88 year old Father-in-Law is diabetic and have a heart ailment.

Pop was admitted right away. He had liquid in his lungs and his pacemaker only have months of life left. His cardiologist said that his heart is slowly deteriorating, functioning for only 10%. He was put on the Coronary Care Unit. We visit him almost everyday and we've seen a big improvement on him.

Pop is still hardy for his age. He insist on living alone, even after years of trying to convince him to stay with us. He still drives and do his shopping every week, comes over during the weekend. He is very independent and would not be told. He said he do not feel old and could not just do nothing. He always needs to have something to do. He very well know that his body cannot take anymore strenuous task but still pots around the house.

Anyways, Pop had a major surgery last Monday; they put on a new pacemaker. We took the Little One with us this time to see his Poppy.

Pop just came out of the theater a few hours when we got there, so he was still dopey. He showed Kaiden his stitches and the heavy thing they taped in to press the pacemaker down. He vaguely remembered that we were there the previous day. He was a bit grumpy and complaining like hell. As always, he gets so bored in the hospital and was probably flipping the lid of the nurses and doctors attending to him!

Since no food was prepared at home, we had dinner at . . .


And had these . . .




Pop was discharged the other day and B went there to check things for him. B said he is doing good but very cranky. Oh well.

P.S.
Just as I was blog hopping, we got a call from my Sister-in-Law about Pop. B drove him back to the hospital because he is having a hard time to breathe again. We thought it was too soon that the hospital let him go just a day after undergoing a major surgery. I hope and pray my Father-in-Law will let himself stay in the hospital till he make a full recovery.

Gorgeously . . .

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Missing Home . . .

Having been living in foreign land for years, I seem to manage homesickness pretty well. There's the occasional hankering to be home, but I get over it eventually.

Our last Manila trip was just over 4 months ago but I am missing home badly! I have been calling my family a lot these days. And seeing a recent photo of them makes me want to go home all the more!

This goofy pose of my sibs reminds me of how wacky we all are whenever we're together!

It is hard to be away from your loved-ones, knowing you won't be there to share special occasions with them. If you have been reading this blog for quite some time, you would know the closeness I share with my sisters and brother. Apart from my Dearest Husband, they are my Best Friends! And I am missing them so much!

B said that we should go home if I am that lonely. I want to, but our Little One still have school. I don't want him to miss on that. So I'll just let my longing abate in time.

Gorgeously . . .

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