11/05/2024
This was written eleven years ago, during a trying period for our family. I simply want to re-share it as a tribute to all mothers, especially families experiencing similar problems. No matter what we go through in life, no matter how great the test, and even if the path of life that we are walking seems to be very dark... we can always count on the light and guidance of our "Father" as long as we always trust and believe in Him.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL!
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MAMA!
There is nothing more heartbreaking than to see a loved one suffer from the clutches of an illness. Rather than enjoying a special date with my mom at a fancy restaurant, I dedicated my days and nights to caring for her in the hospital.
When the doctor broke the news about the possibility of dialysis for my mom, it was like my world was shattered in an instant. I marveled at his ability to deliver the news with remarkable emotional detachment. Maybe it was his years of practice that molded him into the composed professional he is today.
He explained the costs of the operation and the expenses for biweekly dialysis sessions to me. I kept silent, but in my mind, I thought, “Doc, you just gave me one solid reason to push myself to commit to becoming wealthy so that handling such problems will be easier, at least financially.”
The doctor continued to explain the details concerning my mom’s health condition and, without batting an eyelash, passed the eternal judgment that dialysis would not cure the disease itself. Hearing these words, I imagine my jaw dropping on the floor. It's funny that after he finished speaking, he asked me to get the rest of the family together so we could discuss my mother's situation and inform him of our decision because he needed to speak with the family of a patient facing a similar situation.
I was so shocked that I was unable to speak, but I could not stop shouting in my head, "Just go ahead and cook my brains, Doc."
The physician informed us that my mother would have to receive dialysis for the rest of her life, which would be extremely expensive for our family. The only benefit would be to keep my mother alive for as long as her frail body permits it, even if, in the end, I would lose her.
Many people think that situations like these represent some of life's harsh realities. This is the reality that this doctor clearly wants to sow into my mind—a reality of pessimism and despair. "For crying out loud, Doc, this is the life of my mother that we were talking about! I will not give in and buy the reality you are selling me!”
Deep within, I have vowed to reject these harsh realities, yet the overwhelming circumstances challenge the core of my being. A baptism by fire, if you will.
I am determined to reject these "false realities" constructed from life's uncertainties and the dread of the unknown. Once you've accepted and believed these lies, they will soon become your actual reality. I can sacrifice all my life philosophies except for my hope and faith. I am not giving up on my hope that my mother will become better soon and that there will be better options available than the dead-end options this doctor wants us to make. I refuse to lose hope in the existence of an all-powerful God. I firmly believe that everything will turn out well, no matter what.
I cried at the sight of my beloved mother when I entered the hospital room. In addition to being diabetic, Mom also has an enlarged heart, which leads to difficulty breathing. I felt it was an honor to spend sleepless days and nights taking care of my sick mother in the hospital. I tried my best to be the funniest version of myself, telling Mom my best-kept humorous stories just to lighten things up and change the mood. My eyes welled in tears upon seeing the smile on her face, despite the pain she was going through—a smile I will never give up and forever hold in my heart. “HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY, MAMA!”
