Only when I became a mom that I fully understood the sacrifices my parents went through when they had me at an early age. They never experienced how to live life fully in the sense that they already had a responsibility. Dad has to make ends meet and during my teenage days, I was fully deprived of things the usual teenagers would have because it was merely enough to support my studies and that's when I decided to go out from their comfort zone.
At 16 I knew the value of hard work and earned a living to survive. With God's grace, I graduated from the university with my effort and proud to have proved to my father that I am a responsible daughter. My papa is the epitome of strict guidelines when it comes to parenting because he told me and the rest of my 3 siblings that he only wanted a good life for us and doesn't want to experience the hardship they went through.
When he met Sage the first in December 2019, he bought a "karang" for my baby so he could learn how to walk easily. It was like a baby walker made traditionally and it's a reminder that my father wanted life easier for his first grandchild. My post may be deviating far from the usual parenting and mom life I experience with my baby but today I wanted to express how blessed I am for having a father who has been our pillar in the family. Our life support I must say.
Papa tried to put Sage's socks so that he won't be barefoot as the floor might affect his nerves according to old idea of babies being barefoot in my culture. But the most amazing part he did for our baby when he bought the "karang" a traditionally hand-made baby stroller which was a big help for Sage to walk around. I didn't even know it existed until then when he immediately left home that day and came back with the "karang". It was indeed a surprised.
Papa carried Sage on his arm while we went to see the Christmas decoration in the other city. This picture of him being so lively and so happy to be with the family is our focal point of his speedy recovery. He still has mission in life as he said during our online conversation that God will still use him as an instrument of hope for others especially when they're terribly sick. He will be their Voice.
When papa was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis a week back, our world turned upside down. We were not prepared because there were no signs and symptoms of it, the last time we saw him on our usual video calls so he could see Sage, he's been so full of life. When I got a call from my sister that they went for a check-up, the doctor's findings were like a bomb. We prayed through zoom for our papa's speedy recovery. Our FAITH grows stronger as a family and for the first time, Papa and I talked heartily.
This would be my most emotional post here and whatever the findings of the doctor we believed in the miracle of Prayers, we rebuked his illness and through our steadfast FAITH on HIM, my papa will be HEALED. We claimed of his speedy and steady recovery and this is just GOD's wake-up call for the family. Apart from being a mother, I am his daughter, who loves him dearly. I have to cheer him every video call we do because it helped uplift his spirit the most, likewise showing him Sage so he could hear him said, "grandpapa love you!"
Reality would sink in that his system is not accepting the medication but God's healing touch is more powerful than the medicine. Even Doctor Magallen mentioned regardless of their capability to check on his condition, PRAYER can move mountains.
And my auntie, papa's elder sister who was also diagnosed with breast cancer and managed to survive the operation shared her miraculous journey, and during our conversation online she reminded me of Lazarus who had been buried for four days and how Jesus Christ restored him from death. While I am writing this, I can't help but cry because together with my siblings, we strongly feel that Jesus hears our sorrow and we claim for HEALING in His name. At times when you are in a very critical situation, turning back to God gives more healing deep within likewise writing it down, reading every lines, internalizing the message brings more comfort somehow.
Psalm 62: 1-2
My soul finds rest in God alone, my salvation comes from HIM. HE alone is my rock and my salvation; HE is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Edited these images as per my convo with my mother, my auntie and my dear friend who eventually became my financial advisor. Truly appreciated if you include in your prayer intention for the speedy recovery of my papa. May God continually bless you.
Images used on this post are mine edited via inCollage and canva.