Rollercoaster Weekend

Saturday, 26 January


It was my transition day off. We're going to have a different schedule at work. I had brunch with some of my friends from work because I won't be seeing some of them for the meantime because of the changes in work schedule. We ate at the Seafood Market in Macapagal Highway. It was really fun. The food was great and we even had a chance to listen to some of my friends sing in the videoke. Of course, it won't be complete without wacky photo ops. Click this to view the album.






After the brunch, I met with Ian and my sis in nearby Mall of Asia. We were planning to watch a movie but then we're going to miss the sunset in Manila Bay, so we skipped it and hung out in the bay area instead. It was way cheaper too. Haha! Watching the sun set was like witnessing a few seconds of miracle. Imagine that beauty happening everyday and we are just oblivious to its presence. I couldn't get enough pictures. Click this to view the album. Ian's pictures can be found here.







After that we strolled around and decided to check out the nearby Global Fun Carnival. I really wanted to go on the ferris wheel but then I wouldn't want to get a ride-all-you-can ticket because my stomach can't take the abrupt changes in position for some rides. It was still fun when we explored it.


Sunday, 27 January


It was my father's 66th birthday! Yay! We ate lunch at his fave resto. It has been so long since we did that. We were all so full so we decided to stroll around the nearby mall. My father treated himself to a movie and we just window-shopped. Click here to view the album





We were all having fun when my Ma received a call from the province telling her my Lola is in critical condition. She lost consciousness. I am not sure what happened but she is going to undergo tests, that's for sure. My mother was actually planning to visit her this coming March but because of what happened, she went home immediately, called her relatives there, took some money from our supposed-to-be rent payment and got a ticket. She's in Bacolod City now. I think the plane landed an hour ago. Another sudden change happened in our lives. We don't know how long my Ma's gonna stay there or how my Lola is. We're still waiting for news.


Today, 28 January


I woke up really early today. My father hadn't slept yet because he was anxious too. I was just glad it's still my day off or else I couldn't concentrate at work. I'm also glad we were able to take some pictures. The camera couldn't hide the happiness on our faces. I was just thinking about how unpredictable life is and how it is necessary to live life each day as if it were your last. At my age, it seems difficult but then again, it wouldn't hurt to try.

More Prayers Needed

I thought that the worst is over. I really hope it is.


Papa has edema of both feet-- one of the signs of kidney failure. That is also one of the effects of his diabetes. He will maintain his meds but his weekly injection would increase to twice a week. More holes in our pockets. Without any changes, he will undergo dialysis, I just hope and pray it won't lead to that. I feel so helpless.


Again, your prayers are more than welcome. My family truly appreciates them.



The heart remembers all special moments when kindness made the difference. May the kindness you often give return to you in countless special ways.

Practicing PT

My PRC license expired on my birthday. Since I don't work as a physical therapist, I didn't bother renewing it yet. That might change.


My Papa was discharged from the hospital yesterday after a week of confinement. There really are angels out there who were kind enough to open their hearts to my family. He was in the ER and OR on his first day and spent 2 days in the ICU. He has diabetes, a disease also threatening me and my siblings. Three of his major body parts were affected when he nearly died-- heart, kidneys and prostate. That required the services of several specialists as well.


Today, his legs are weak and he is unable to stand. He still has a catheter and will keep it for the next month. He will continue his medications for maintenance and will have several follow-up check ups with his doctors in the next few weeks as an out-patient. Now, we have a patient at home and I found myself planning on therapeutic goals for my father. It's time for me to make use of my rusty PT skills once more.


In other news, I can't believe it's September already. I'm seeing this as a new beginning for all of us. I'm also glad it's the weekend because I promised myself I'll be catching some sleep. I miss sleeping! Have a great weekend everyone!

Life Goes On

Life continues for most of us.


I've been working for the past week with only 3-4 hours of sleep a day. I'm glad I took last Friday off. I have yet to catch up on sleep so I am really looking forward to the weekend. A couple of days ago I had a presentation and an interview for the supervisory position I'm applying for. Wish me luck on the results. For those who are concerned, my father was out of the ICU last Sunday and is now better. He actually wanted to get out of the hospital but due to the bills, they won't allow him to be discharged yet. Meds and bills are burning holes in our already empty pockets. My sibs and I would probably work for the next couple of years or so just paying off debts but I'm sure we'll get there. I'm just grateful my father is doing well.


I got this quote from my sister:
Don't count your friends on a sunny day when the sky is blue and laughter is abundant. Instead, wait for a storm when the clouds are dark and smiles are scarce. When someone stands beside you and lifts your spirits to the sky, then you'll know who deserves to be called a friend.


I would like to thank the people who shared their thoughts, prayers and help in any way possible. Prayers are powerful and I'm happy ours are being heard. It just goes to show that during the tough times, one would know who really and truly cares.


Sometimes, a simple "thank you" is not enough to show how grateful we are. This is one of those times. But still I say, thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Prayers Needed

This is a public plea.


Our father was rushed to the ER last Friday afternoon. My father is diabetic. He had a seizure and nearly died. His kidney and heart are failing him as a complication to his diabetes. He's been in the ICU since then and the cardiologist is advising against letting him out of the ICU because his heart cannot beat normally on its own yet. He has a temporary pacemaker and needs to be constantly monitored.


Now, he will undergo tests to rule out prostate cancer because it runs in the family and he bled when he tried to pee. Your prayers are needed. I know how strong prayers are and I hope you join me, my family and friends in praying for my father. Thank you very much in advance.



with my Papa during his birthday


P.S.
If you happen to know a philanthropist or you are one, financial help is greatly appreciated too. Our financial resources are really low as of the moment. *sigh*

Late Greetings

Belated Happy Father's Day, Papa!





Belated Happy 29th Birthday, Garfield!

Papa's Birthday

We weren't complete but we made sure Papa enjoyed his birthday. We didn't have enough money but it was fun. He still wished he had cake though. Haha! But no sugar for him... and no, he's not camera shy. Haha! More pictures here.




Happy 65th Birthday, Papa! We love you!


P.S.

Thanks very much cousins Peter and Gina for making one of my father's birthday wishes come true! He's going to Bacolod on Tuesday to follow my mother. Hooray! :)