All Saints Day 2012

Dad's Tombstone

As always, we went to the cemetery yesterday to remember Dad. It was a fair day so we were able to stay for a few hours. We bought a nice flower arrangement and lighted up candles. We did not offer those as a ritual for the dead though. We just wanted to express how much he means to us and how much we are missing him.

Many people had gone to the cemetery to fix the grave of their loved ones too. Some had brought wonderful flowers that look very expensive. Some enterprising individuals had set up stores to cater to the needs of the people swarming the cemetery. There were drinks and food for those who got thirsty and hungry. Many were setting up tents so they could have a shield against the heat of the sun.

I just hoped that Dad could see us...

Mom Recovers from Stroke

Thank God! Mom has recovered from her stroke. She can walk straight again on her own. She can attend to her own basic needs like going to the CR and walking around the house effortlessly. Thanks also to her doctor, Dr Arwin David, Commonwealth Hospital and Medical Center.

Dad's Birthday 2012

Dad's Remains Resting Place

Yesterday, was Dad's birthday. As always, we went to the cemetery to remember him. Although, we could not stay very long because it was raining. In fact, I was not even able to go near his tombstone because the soil was damp. My wheel chair might get stuck in the mud. It was disappointing.

This time though, I asked Mom's caregiver, Mylene, to take pictures of Dad's tomb area. It was unfortunate that we didn't have any camera at home so I just asked her to use her camera phone (My mobile phone's camera has been broken since four years ago). The shots were not that clear here though. 
 

After several shots, we decided to leave and just come back on All Saints' Day. Maybe,the weather would be better by then and we could stay longer enough.

Mom's First Stroke

This is scary. Mom seems to be suffering from a stroke. We are a bit panicky. She could no longer hold a piece of bread or pill particularly with her left hand. She could no longer stand up straight when she is trying to walk. She feels very weak.

Mylene has called her doctor to inform him of Mom’s condition and find out the necessary steps to do. Her doctor has advised to take her to the hospital for immediate and proper diagnosis. She has to stay in the hospital again.

In the hospital, she is bedridden totally. She could no longer go the CR by herself. She needs to wear diapers for her urine and feces.

The CT-Scan test has shown that Mom has indeed suffered from a mild stroke. Thank God, the blood clots in the brain are minimal. Still, we are not taking any chances.

Allergic Reaction to Medicine

Mom is having a difficult time recuperating because of her allergy to her medicine. Red, itchy rashes has come out of her body particularly her chest area and back. She could not sleep at all at night because of the intolerable itch. Even a sleeping pill, which her doctor has prescribed, could not put her to sleep.

The doctor has decided to stop the medicine for her lungs. The itchiness also has stopped. Her doctor has scheduled a regular chest x-ray to monitor the condition of her lungs. If ever, the condition deteriorates, he would need to reintroduce the medicine but he needs to identify, which particular component is causing the allergic reaction.

Thank God, the condition of her lungs is not deteriorating. It is in fact, healing...

Mom Got Struck by Pneumonia

Mom

Mom is suffering from pneumonia. She is starting to feel difficulty with her breathing so we have decided to take her to the hospital. It is scary since this is the first time that she has to stay in a hospital for a while.

This is the first time also that I have been in a hospital to watch over a sick parent. I have failed to do that to Dad but at least I have a chance to do it to Mom. I try to attend to some of her needs although I cannot do this without the assistance of Mylene. It is quite ironic that I seek assistance so I can assist my Mom, being on a wheel chair.

She has to stay in a private room...

Thank God, the medication has gone smoothly. She has stayed in the hospital for only three days.

Especially for You by Elisha Keren Durant

Oh, I must admit that I have stolen this video clip from the Facebook account of my new favorite singer Elisha Kerren Durant, with her own rendition of "Especially for You". I am proud to boast that she is a member of the FEU chorale. I hope she can forgive me for stealing this video clip....

 

Dad was still alive when Elisha and I met. I did the arrangement of a musical piece for her, "The Day He Wore My Crown", which she used for a musical competition where she won first prize. 

Four years have passed and her voice continues to get better. I believe she has a promising career in the field of music not unless she decides not to pursue it. Great lady with a great voice!