Happy...

God's timing is truly impeccable! I don't know how else to illustrate how perfect His timing and His ways are. He is beyond words! He creates the perfect situation on how His perfect plan has to happen. The result? Absolutely flawless!

For years, He made me go through things I didn't understand why. I really felt like He totally forgot about me already. I was wrong! All these years He was equipping me emotionally, mentally and physically for that time which I never thought would still happen. When it did happen, I was prepared. Boy, was I prepared! You have no idea!

My God! Why are there times that I still doubt You? Why do I still doubt your Words? Forgive me for my unbelief! 

On a different note, last Saturday was Sun Life's August Championship Kick-off at the World Trade Center. I'm excited on how God will make things happen for me again! Thank you, Lord, in advance!

Lastly, today is my Mom's birthday.  

There are so many things to be happy about... These are just a few... God, thank you for everything!

If Only

I'm almost done moving stuff in my new home. I only have a few more stuff left at my old house which I will transfer here by next week.  I could say that by April 1, I'm fully settled in my new home sweet home.

Life has been bittersweet for me. I lost some and then gain some more.  You know, I'd say that I have been truly blessed in life in spite of all the trials I went through.  I may have lost a great deal - losing a husband and both my parents, but God carried me through it all. He gave me loving siblings, a nice home, a new car, health that's continuously improving everyday, loyal friends, a caring yaya, a sweet cat... the list goes on. And He's continuously blessing me with so much more.  As I always say, the Lord is not done with me yet.  He plans to prosper me and give me a beautiful future.  I am highly favored, greatly blessed and deeply loved.

With Cousins at my my niece's first birthday celebration

I miss my Mom and Dad very much.  If I could only have a day with them again... If only...

Anyway, I believe I received an instruction from the Lord last night on how He wanted me to start this new chapter in my life. I still believe that 2014 is going to be my year of favor and blessings. This is going to be a year of healing.   I'm very excited to walk in to my Promised Land already.  I think I'm more than ready.

I'll leave you with this beautiful song which I always sing lately. I sing this with all of my heart.  God bless y'all!

Remembering Mom

Last February 10, we went to visit Mom and Dad. It's Dad's birthday. And this year, he celebrated his birthday in Heaven with Mom.

When everything's settled, I will be posting old photos and beautiful memories to remember them by. I'm just very busy with the transition that's happening right now. In the mean time, let me share with you two of Mom's favorite songs by Patti Page.

We love you, Mom!

Till We Meet Again...

I just started packing Mom's stuff and it brought back memories. Tomorrow is exactly two weeks since Mom's gone. It's impossible not to be emotional.

What comforts me is the fact that Mom gave her life to Jesus years back and was rededicated to Jesus a week before she joined our Lord in Heaven. My youngest brother who's in New York felt very strongly to share the gospel again to Mom via Skype. I know in my heart that she is now reunited with Dad and together, they share everlasting life with our Lord Jesus Christ.

I miss Mom very much. When I was confined in the hospital last 2012 because of SLE, even though she, herself, was sick and had just came from her dialysis, she spent the night in the hospital to take care of me. She has been a very loving Mom to me and my siblings. She's not perfect, but she's the best Mom ever. 

Mom helping me choose stickers for the pens my sister is going to use for her daughter's birthday party two days before she breathe her last.

To all who prayed for Mom, thank you. 

Lord, thank you for the life of Mom. Thank you for welcoming her to your Kingdom. Thank you for granting her complete healing.

Mom, you fought a good fight. I know you are in a much better place now - free from sickness and pain. No more needles, Mom. I love you very much, Mom. We love you very much. We will treasure everything you and Dad taught us. You will never be forgotten... You will be forever loved. Till we meet again... In Heaven...

Together

Last night, at around 9:35 Mom finally joined Dad in Heaven. I say this with a very heavy heart because I was not prepared for it. We all did not expect it to be this soon. Just yesterday, she was recovering from the angioplasty that she had last Saturday. The doctors told us that she had to undergo this procedure to clear three of her blocked blood vessels. She had undergone several of these procedures in the past. All of the stents that were put during those procedures were still ok. This one was needed to clear new blockages.

After the angioplasty, she was brought to the ICU because her blood pressure was too low and it was fluctuating, from a low of 80/40 to a high of just 120/45. The operation itself was successful because the blockages were opened up. However, the stress of the angioplasty and the subsequent dialysis that she had to go through must have been too much for her already weakened body. She had a cardiac arrest at around 9 PM. The doctors tried to revive her, but Mom's body gave up the fight at around 9:35. 

Mom's wake is at Room 303 at the Sanctuarium along Araneta Avenue. Cremation is scheduled on Friday at 7 AM.

On behalf of my family, I would like to thank all of you,who have said prayers for Mom's healing. Now, she is truly healed and free of all the illnesses that plagued her during the last few years. 

Mom, we will all miss you so much. What comforts us now is that aside from knowing that you are in God's Kingdom, we know that you and Dad are together once more. 

See you someday, Mom, Dad....

Reunions

It's been a while since I last posted.  I miss blogging, but I had other priorities I needed to attend to first.  Other stuff had to take a backseat, including blogging. I do miss my bloggy friends though.

All is well.  When people ask me how my health is doing, I'd always say thank God, I'm getting better everyday.  I still do have my regular check up.  It was every week, then it became every two weeks and now it's every month.

Let me share a few random photos during my MIA mode. =)

My cousin, Resi, from the US came home after decades of living there with her family. What better reason to hold a family gathering, right?  So family gathering it was last July 7. These were just few of my relatives from the side of my mom. Trust me, when we gather together, all of us, it'll be a riot!

Lunch at Texas Roadhouse Grill. Dinner with cousins at Army Navy.

Mom celebrated her birthday at Makan Makan Asian Food Village last July 14.

Mom with my sister and her youngest child, Robyn Denise

Finally, last August 15, I met up with my college friend Joan, after years of staying in Russia with her family.  It was really nice to see her again. We had a quick lunch at Kaya, Rockwell.

Though I was MIA in the blogging world for a little more than a month, it was a season of reunions with family and friends.  It was fun!  

Jesus My Healer

I am in awe of God!

Today began with a miracle.

October 15, 2012 / October 17, 2012

See that?  My feet are no longer swollen. Praise God!

In my post before this, the doctor said that this condition was kind of scary. The medicines that would be administered to me would be so costly. I wasn't afraid though. So I prayed and humbly submitted myself to the will of God.  I spoke to this mountain of illness to be healed in the mighty name of Jesus.  Sang praise and worship songs then went to sleep.  I believed in my heart that God would heal me as He promised and this greeted me this morning.

Next would be the result of my albumin test.  I went to the lab and got the results.  Praise God!  They all turned out normal.

My pulmonologist cleared me.  All tests were good.

My nephrologist was surprised to see how much I've improved.  He checked my vitals and said all good.  He checked the results of my albumin test and said they're good. I showed him my CBC results and he said good. Then he looked at me and said, "What on Earth did you do? What shall we do now?  You're okay! Just repeat urinalysis 2 weeks from now then see me again."

Those words were music to my ears.  Who else is able to turn things around in an instant? It's only JESUS!  Jesus, my Healer!

I still have to continue the steroids for lupus as prescribed by my rheumatologist until I repeat CBC, also 2 weeks from now.

I'm jumping for joy for this miracle I received from Almighty God. I believe I've already received my complete healing as Jesus has promised.

By the way, this was the song I kept singing last night.



Dear friends, God is true to ALL His promises.  He is faithful! Thank you for praying for me.  Thank you for believing with me.

While I was going through these trials, Mom was always praying for me. I know how much she wanted me to be well again. I know because she often cried while praying for my healing. Thank you, Mom. I love you very, very much.

All praises to God!!!

Thank You for the Blessings

I'm very happy that Mom spent two nights in my house this week.  We went to watch a movie last Saturday and ate out.  We also did the grocery shopping together.  Early this morning, before leaving, she cooked for me again.  I thank God for Mom.  I'm really excited for Mom's new condo unit.  Construction is starting on October 1.  Hopefully it'll be ready for Mom to move in before Christmas.

Last Tuesday, I attended another award's ceremony.  I thank God for this award I got for the second consecutive year.  Here are some photos from the event.

The Philippine Star

Cross Pens for second year Macaulay qualifiers

 Me!  Thank you, Lord!

 Red Spruce

Red Spruce

On a different note, I think grief over Dad's passing is catching up with me now. There are nights when I would just cry because I miss Dad very much.  When I hear songs that I know Dad really liked, the water works will just start automatically.  I know Dad is with Jesus now, but I just miss him very much.  Next month I would be celebrating my birthday for the first time without Dad.  Sigh...

I Wish...

I feel really sad right now.

Mom left yesterday to go back to our house in Quezon City.  She came back this morning to get all her remaining stuff.  I felt really bad that she had to go, but this has to be done for many reasons.

Mom stayed with me since Dad passed away  four months ago. I didn't have issues with that.  Problems started arising when I couldn't get a decent sleep anymore because I felt uncomfortable with our set up.  I started having bad case of migraine, rashes on my arms and face then worse was when my blood pressure sky rocketed to 147/98.  My condo unit is not big.  In fact a friend once commented that it's too small that it looked like a pigeon hole.  Mom had to have a helper to assist her in everything and the helper lived with me too.  I strongly felt the need to have some space and some peace and quiet.  I did a lot of things to try to ease what I've been feeling like I checked in to a hotel for two nights to get some decent sleep and even slept on the floor at home to make it feel like I had my own space.

I love my mom dearly.  She told me that all she wanted was to take care of me.  She even said that she wanted me to live with her in her new condo my brother bought for her.  That really broke my heart.  I cried and cried and cried.  It's not that I don't want my mom here in my house, but my place is too small that I could hardly breathe.  I have my reasons why I needed to stay here for now.

Anyway, Mom had to go back to her and Dad's house until the construction for the new condo unit is done.  But I told Mom to stay with me sometimes like on weekends.  I can then have the space I needed and still have each other.

Before Mom left a while back after getting her stuff,  I hugged her and said that please do come back on weekends.  I also said that I love her.  When I saw tears coming down her cheeks, that broke my heart to thousand pieces.

Mom after our lunch yesterday at Midas Hotel

My nephews and my brother who came home from Singapore

I really feel bad right now.  I wish this will just go away.  I wish...

Happy Birthday, Mom!

It was Mom's birthday yesterday, but we celebrated it today.  We went to visit Dad first and brought him fresh flowers then we headed straight to my sister's.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!  

I am so happy despite all the trials that my family went through, and thankful because Mom celebrated another year with us.  My nephews did something really cute: they made balloons for their grandma! That really made her smile! See those pink balloons by the door? Yup, those are theirs. :)

Come to think of it... it's these little sweet gestures that you treasure all your life. From all of us, Happy Birthday, Mom! We love you very much! 

Blessings

Mom is listening to her fave radio station which plays music from her and Dad's time.  I miss Dad.  He had a very peculiar laugh.  I got the chance to record this when we had a family outing at Fontana last 2010.  Mom and I listened to it and although we both miss Dad, we end up laughing at the sound of Dad's laughter. I'm glad Mom's with me because I get to feast on crabs and shrimps.  Haha! 

On a different note, I shared this verse with a friend at church because she's going through some tough times right now.

"Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1:8

This powerful verse ministered to me too.  If we meditate on God's Word and carefully obey then blessings are inevitable.  

I have so many things to thank God for this week.  Too bad I wasn't able to join in the Thankful Thursday meme.  Anyway, just the same, I'm grateful to God for allowing me to pass my licensure exam two weeks ago.  I got the result last Monday.  I thank God for my friends including bloggy friends who prayed for me. Thank you, guys!  I passed!  Woohoo!

Another thing I'm thankful for is my latest DVD of the Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn part 1.  My friend gave it to me two days ago.  Thanks, Dee!

I'm so blessed.  Thank you, Lord!

I'll leave you with this video that Mom is listening to on the radio.  Happy weekend!

Thank You, Lord!

Today is such a beautiful and peaceful day.  Thank you, Lord!  I watched Twilight (for nth time) this morning with Mom.  Obviously, she wasn't too engrossed with the movie as I was because I saw her yawn too many times.  But she did finish the entire movie just sitting beside me quietly.  Yeah, I have a very supportive Mom.  Haha!

Anyway, I had my licensure exam last Thursday.  I will find out how I fared either tomorrow or Tuesday.  I really hope I did okay because I don't want to go through the ordeal all over again. I studied real hard for that exam.

I got an email from our head office that the list of medallion qualifiers for last February's Love Month contest was finally out in the newspaper which was released last June 18.  Woot!  Yours truly hit the Gold medallion for the second time.  Thank you, Lord!  I hope this coming August Champ, I'd be a Platinum medallion qualifier.  Why not?  Nothing is impossible with God.

Last week my boat was rocked a bit because of doubts creeping in again.  But you know what?  God was fast to remind me of what He revealed to me years back during my quiet time.  He reminded me of how faithful He is even when I was faithless.  He remained faithful.  What a great God we serve!  I felt an overflowing peace in my spirit.  All I can say is... Thank you, Lord.

"Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled." Joshua 21:45

Happy Mother's Day

To all moms including my mom... Happy Mother's Day!  

I would also like to greet those who miscarried, who's child is now with the Lord... Happy Mother's Day to you too.

My family had a little celebration at my sister's house and went to Christ the King to visit Dad before going home.  My three nephews wrote Dad notes. Sweet!

"I love you and I miss you, Gwakong (Grandfather)." --- Michael

"I love you, Gwakong" --- Fredric

"I love you and I will miss you, Angkong (Grandfather).  I will see you next time." --- Andre

Here are some photos we took earlier.

Tita Celi (My SIL's mom) and Mom

Tita Celi and Tito... Mom and Richard (My SIL's brother)

Mom & Sissy

Lamb chops... yum!

My SIL's family and mine. 

Happy Mother's Day!

We love you, Mom!

Please Pray for Mom

***UPDATE***

Mom is now home, but still coughing. Dad said this should be thoroughly checked because she's not supposed to be coughing anymore.  

Dad, on the other hand, is sick-er.  He's also coughing.  It could be due to fatigue or stress.  I hope this has nothing to do with cancer. 

Oh, Lord Jesus, heal my parents. 

*****************************************************************

I used to ask questions like "why me?" or "why us?", but when you are hit hard and hit often, you just stop asking. You just do what you can and pray that God will help you pull it together.  

Mom was admitted to the hospital... again, last December 18 at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute. She was rushed to the hospital because she had difficulty breathing due to congested lungs. I lost count how many times she was rushed to the hospital because of this.  All these were results of complications brought about by her diabetes.  My Mom had a total of four heart attacks and three mild strokes since 1989.  The doctor said it hit her again so that will be a total of four mild strokes all in all.  Not to mention that she's also having dialysis three times a week.  

I believe that God is sustaining her all these years.  

When I went to the hospital, I saw Mom looking like this.  I just couldn't do anything for her.  I prayed. And when I didn't know what else to pray for, I prayed in the Spirit. It's just heartbreaking to see Mom in this state.  

Mom in the Hemodialysis unit

Mom in her private room looking and feeling a lot better

Mom's Pulse Oximeter

The doctor said the number on the left should be between 95 to 100. Mom's is 98 so that's good.  Thank God that Mom is feeling a lot better now.  She eats pretty well, although still on a soft food diet.  She might be discharged by Thursday.  

Please remember Mom in prayer.  We are all hoping and praying for complete healing not just for Mom, but for Dad, too.  When God said that nothing is impossible with Him, I take that to heart and believe that God is bigger than any of these sicknesses and diseases.