The feeling I have sitting here beside my dad’s hospital bed at 1:23 in the morning, just watching him stare into space, is oddly unsettling. So I open my laptop to write this post..
To those who don’t know — my dad was rushed to the hospital again two Sundays ago (I’ll save the details of that traumatic day). From a private room here in Makati Medical Center, we had to move him to the ward three days ago because our hospital bill is getting higher by the minute. Needless to say, we can no longer afford it. But help is on its way!
Looking at the bright side, though, at least our case isn’t as bad as the other patients here in the ward (which is my second home these days). There are patients here who have undergone surgery and have been staying here for more than two months. Their hospital bills have gone up to 1.4M (and is still increasing everyday), can you believe it? The patients’ relatives are looking everywhere for financial aid. This reminds me of President Obama’s major concern for the health care system in the United States. Our country’s own health care system desperately needs fixing too. PhilHealth simply isn’t enough.
My brother also got my parents health care benefits at the company he works for but that too wasn’t sufficient. We obviously did not anticipate that we will be facing this big a problem.
BUT, I didn’t compose this entry to rant (although it seems like I am). Spending more than a week here in the hospital and hearing the doctors comment on my dad’s “hopeless case” (as they call it) had made me realize how we all need to care for our health. Our country’s “system” is not too blame, but ourselves. It’s cliché but we all need to start living right. Maybe we should start by eating healthy and do a lot of walking? AND, try to avoid cigarette smoking if you don’t want to face the same terrible fate as my dad. Just a friendly reminder!
On a related note, my brother is getting married on Sunday in Bacolod City. Yes, we all agreed to go through with it even with our dad’s current situation, for practical reasons. It’s sad that our dad is not going to be there, and what’s even sadder is, our mom decided not to attend the wedding as well so she could be the one to watch over him here in Manila. My brother, who’s in Bacolod right now, is shocked by the news. I feel for him, but I also understand why Mama wants to stay. I guess she feels unfair that we’re all gonna be celebrating my brother tying the knot while my dad is lying in a hospital bed far away from all of us, unable to walk or even speak. I’m sensing a bittersweet wedding is about to take place.
This is by far the most difficult hurdle our family has to overcome. But God will see us through. We believe He will supply all our needs.
It’s time for “bed” now, except, watchers don’t get to sleep in beds here in the ward. Hee.
PS: Thanks to all my friends who came to visit my dad! It really means a lot. :)
Hi Joni,
I want you to know that I have been covering you in prayer since you informed me of your dad’s situation. I was in a similar situation – my dad had a stroke some time before my wedding, and we pushed through with it – and he went on to live months afterward.
In times like these, it can feel really lonely, and I am sure each of you in your family are dealing with the loneliness in your own way. You’re not alone, though; your friends and family are all storming Heaven’s gates with prayer for what’s best for your dad, whether it be full recovery or a return to His loving embrace, and I know God’s will, when it comes to pass in His perfect timing, will offer you comfort and solace.
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger or threatened with death? No! Despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us.” Romans 8:35-37
I stand with you, Joni. Be strong, sis.
Hi Joni! I’m sorry to hear your dad’s in the hospital, and I’ll be praying for him and your family too. *hugs* I pray for strength for you, and for God’s will.
“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13 :)
God loves you. *hugs again*
ging, God will see us through. amen to that gid. ^_^
hugs
can’t imagine that i can be as calm as yo are if my dad was the one sick…
jownee! you’re feeling better na? :) Again, hope your dad’s case isn’t as hopeless as what the doctors though :)
sigh, be strong jownee..i’ll pray for your Dad.
My eyes are starting to fill with tears while I read your post, JOni friend. I cannot imagine myself to be as tough as you are when placed in such a situation like that. I admire your strength.
Truly God will always provide us with everything. Just continue trusting Him.
Stay strong Jon’. A lot of people are praying for your Dad and your family. :)
Holy crap. 1.4M??
I know it’s easier said than done, but, be strong! *hugs and positive energy*
Oh, and about the doctors’ “hopeless case” comment – well doctors aren’t always right. I actually dislike most doctors.
hug. condolences.