Christmas Wish

After many days of holding our breaths for the diarrhoea to stop, the dam finally closed and the doctor even gave an early Christmas present - early discharge on the 23rd Dec...yippee!

As family and friends were already put on high alert, plans underwent full swing to get everything ready for the big C-Day. As always, food was of course one of his top priorities, along with the cheer from family and friends gathered together.

The spread for lunch was enough to fill me the whole day, not to even mention what was in for dinner! Lunch was gathered with both KL & Sin families. We had the much talked about German roast goose (the timing of lunch accommodated the collection of this VIP goose - only ready at 1245pm), German pork knuckles, bratwurst, potato salad, pasta and not forgetting a toast of sparkling apple juice... wine would have been preferred of course! Just look at him savouring the whole roast goose leg by himself in the pic above!!!

He was very contented to see the families chatting and kids playing. Nap was a must after his family left to drive back to KL that afternoon. He needed to recharge before the friends arrive at 6pm.

Came dinner, it was pot luck and again filled the table with so much good and rich food! Roast beef slices with peas, pasta in cream and arrabbiata sauce, baked macaroni, pizzas, black pepper chicken, honeyed chicken strips, salad and popcorn....there were only 8 of us! There was so much cheer as we chatted and nibbled as most of us already had prior rounds of Christmas meals. We even had an in-promptu session of paper crane origami.

So quickly did time pass especially when one is happy. It was pretty late when everybody dispersed with an agreement that more restraint is needed on the always generous supply of food contributed for the next gathering.... looking back, we always say the same thing.

That night, even though he was physically worn out, the sight of him blissfully happy with contentment and peace made this Christmas a poignant one.

On the Lord's birthday, we thank the Him for the timely discharge of Kevin and the hasty hospital home leave of my dad, who had an accident 2 weeks back, which made it only possible for the complete families to come together.... it was Kevin's main wish for Christmas.

From Us to All

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year to All!

"May all your wishes and prayers be fulfilled for the new season."

Taming of The Big Splurrrge

Looks like Big Splurrrge has finally been tamed .... phew!!! Till date, most bacteria tests have returned as negative.

The appetite has picked up a little and the stomach is now tolerating softer foods. His colour has returned and most importantly, his smile has come home. The moods are definitely better, especially after numerous doctors' re-assurance that he will get well, constant encouragement from the team of nurses, a visit from the counsellor and of course the biggest credit goes to the fact he is very likely to be discharged on Christmas eve... this's the season to be jolly!

Plans are underway for a Christmas lunch with both families and dinner with a few friends. The menu is of course planned by the VIP himself..German roast goose (recommended by one of his doctors) is a must, pork knuckles and pizzas.

Cheers to All and have a Merry and Blessed Christmas!

A Wife's Journey

Looking back at the unfolding of events for the past half year, I fully realise how uneven the path was, however, this journey seems so long to walk....

All from family to friends to bosses & colleagues to the medical and nursing team formed the crucial support that keeps me going on day to day. Most times were trying and sometimes almost impossible to overcome; handling his fears, moods, frustrations, hopes - expectations - disappointments about his medical conditions, evolving needs and wants and many more...but I knew I had to go on for him.

Praying for strength daily the most important and the Lord, on top of the support from people I already knew, blessed me with nurses who really cares and doctors whom I am always grateful for, who go beyond their call of duties; willingness to be contacted anytime of the day, many quick pop-bys to see he was feeling, occasional sms-es to check on things, patience to explain and update ... these gestures not only encouraged and make him feel assured, they helped me feel assured and improve my understanding of what is happening and to expect.

During the first week at Mt Alvernia's critical care, everything seemed to be moving in slow motion. Keeping him positive was my priority (I always wore colourful clothes and a smile on my face), I tried to take the rest of the news in my stride. As a wife, the lingering questions were - why didn't I suspect there was something wrong earlier... why didn't I bring him to the specialist earlier... why didn't I bring him to the A&E when his fever didn't subside.. shouldn't I have done all these being the closest person to him.

It was very painful to see him hooked up with the tangle of lines at the critical care, even more heartbreaking was the sight of him after the open biopsy, so vulnerable and weak while needing the support of the ventilator,covered with a thermal blanket with the vital signs monitor constantly beeping.

Many nights were spent talking to the Lord on what's in store for us, how would our lives be from this day.... it took quite awhile before I fully accepted the reality. It was heartening to know at least while at the A&E that he wanted to be baptised. It had always been in my prayers that he had a religion close at heart.

Most people often ask how I was taking everything, I must admit deep down inside it was and is still difficult. I guess it is only natural to have the thought cross my mind - after having 10 blissful years (4 in marriage) with him, how could I continue my life happily without him? As his faith grew with Jesus Christ, mine grew along with him. Ever since, each time we hit any brick walls, we lift our burdens to the Lord and this enabled us to enjoy each day fruitfully with love and peace.

It seemed forever since I last heard him laugh with gusto, had our daily dinner at the nearby food court, did our weekly grocery shopping, scold our "babies" with affection, tell his funny sometimes corny jokes, send me cheerful sms when my work got tough, make monkey faces to cheer me, relate his daily activities with much colour.... I pray and patiently await for him to recover to continue my blessed journey with him and The Lord.