I have started so many offline drafts, but this one I hope I could publish. Note that it has been about two years since my last blog post.
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Last February 5, my husband and I experienced something far worse than other medical challenges we have had being married for almost 5 years. I am writing on this blog some points that I have learned which would serve as a reminder and a marker on how God has been faithful to us during this difficult situation. If you are interested to know, just continue reading below.
1. When faced with challenges, WORRY makes things worse. JUST PRAY.
My husband was brought to the ER last Sunday (February 05) when he almost collapsed at home, half of his is face swelling. I witnessed how he panicked and fought the feeling of collapsing when he started to slowly lose his vision. He was shivering with both hands up as if he was drowning. I was hysterically crying when I was dialing my mother in law's number so I can ask for help bringing my husband to the ER.
I was shaken and was freaking out with overwhelming worries. At the ER, there were several doctors who checked on him, neurologists, experts on infectious diseases and ENTs trying to rule out a possible brain infection. My husband has been dealing with a nose infection 2 days before the emergency.
I will be honest, I was not able to pray. My mind was pre-occupied imagining worse scenarios. I was crying at the ER. My husband had to assure me that things will be fine, it was then that I was reminded to pray. After praying, I felt God's comfort and peace embracing me while I go through the process, trusting God alone to intervene with the results of all laboratory tests. The tests came back with negative results of any brain infection.
When faced with difficult situations, our faith is put to test. When our security is shaken, the way we respond reveals to us what is lying in our inner most thoughts. It may be embarrassing to admit but after the incident I realized that I need to dig deeper and anchor my roots further with God. After all, He is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in times of troubles. Psalms 46:1
2. Money is liquid. CELEBRATE LIFE.
I asked for our outstanding bill then together with my husband, we evaluated our finances. While discussing the ballpark figure of the estimated total, my husband quickly noticed that I became quiet. He knew that I am already devising some plans in order for me to get the sum needed, he smiled and blurted these words out: "I thought I was going to die last Sunday, thank God it's just __ hundred __ __ thousand pesos!"
Unintentionally, I was rebuked by his statement. I stopped thinking and decided to look at things with faith. I smiled and agreed with him by replying to him - "You're right". Then we both laughed (my laugh might be teary than his).
Sometimes, difficult situations make us forget what is really important and what character muscles God wants us to build and exercise.
In our case, we became grateful that we are alive. No matter how huge our bill would be, it would never outweigh the value of just being alive. Instead of magnifying our struggles, let's celebrate those little things that makes us alive.
3. Watch out for MIRACLES.
During difficult situations, many things can blind us on noticing simple miracles God orchestrated. In our case, some were just revealed after the incident so I would like to enumerate it while they are still fresh in my memory.
My immediate family was around that Sunday. My mom and other siblings + brother in law were at my place during the incident. It was my mom and sisters who acted quickly while I hysterically panicked during the situations. My brother in law sprinted to hail a cab and assisted me in carrying my husband out of the building (he can barely walk). I'm supposed to be just with my 3yo daughter and her nanny. For sure the scenarios will be different.
My mother in law came to immediately assist me in the ER right after they heard the news. I found out later on that they were not supposed to be near the area.
We were able to get rid of the bacteria (staphylococcus aureas) that is causing the recurring infection for about four months now. If it was found out at a later time, PJ’s condition could’ve been worse.
I just recently resigned from work hence no medical cards. However, upon inquiring with Philhealth (1) my contributions were up to date last year (until December). If I missed a month, I won't be able to get any coverage. (2) I was not able to declare my dependents when I changed my civil status but Philhealth accepted my claim after presenting my (3) NSO marriage certificate (which I do not know why I carry in my purse). (4) Philhealth's yearly cut off is March. The incident happened February, if the emergency happened a month later then it would've been past the cut off.
(5) Our huge bill was covered with a "pay when able" arrangement. *huge sigh of relief*
Later on, we even found out that upon hearing the news, one of PJ's basketball friend in our condo got his car parked from the basement ready to bring us to the hospital while my brother in law was hailing a cab.
To some, all these sound like plain coincidences. But truth is God is capable of orchestrating things to work for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28), He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us (Ephesians 3:20).
I am just glad to experience and share these Bible truths. God's word is alive and true in our life. Our family will always be grateful to the God that we serve. Indeed, He is faithful.
