Unmemorable Memories

Going into surgery, many people asked me how I felt. Was I afraid? Was I apprehensive? Did I have any anxiety? Did I ever think “what is something goes wrong?” or “what’s recovery going to be like? will it be difficult?”

I can truly say that God has given me peace. The apprehension, anxiety and fear never entered my mind. I never thought anything would go wrong. I never thought that recovery would be difficult. In fact, I expected myself to be up and about a few hours after the surgery. In the last few months, I’ve been noticing God leading me in various ways, slowly making changes in my life, giving me opportunities to share Him with those I come in contact with. And God continued to become more and more real in my life. I began to see that his work in my is not yet complete. He is still converting me, changing me, improving me, and using me. With that thought, how can I think that anything would go wrong on my surgery? God is not finished! He needs to finish his work in and with me. This is the thought that brought me the utmost peace.

And this peace is not without basis. For truly after the surgery, I was walking in a few hours. Pain? It was bearable. Within one day I began o resume all my normal activities (except heavy lifting — as strongly recommended by my surgeon).

Our God is truly our Greatest Physician. Not only does he care about the physical health, he also cares about our mental state.

God be praised.

Two days until we move. I have mixed emotions. On one hand I am excited at the prospects of moving to a new home. One that has been customized to a certain extent to our liking. One that is larger so that our two growing children will have more space to play and learn. One that is close to parks, a library, a community center, an Adventist school, shopping and many other amenities.

On the other hand, this old house is where many memories were made. This was our first home. Chris and I bought it together, moved into it together, planned our future here together. Both our children were born here. Caitlin has made many memories in this house. A part of me is sad to leave this home that has grown to be a part of us.

Being the son of a minister, I used to move from house to house a lot when I was a kid. I guess I never really got used to it. We may bring all our things, but it is inevitable that those intangible memories, although we bring them with us, makes us feel like we’ve left something behind.

It won’t be different this time around.

On March 15, 2008 at 4:58 P.M. my daughter Catherine Eeva was born. She was 5 lbs, 4.5 oz at birth. We are very grateful for this wonderful gift from God. Catherine is truly a gift from God, one we specifically asked for. Her arrival has been a “Hallelujah moment” for me.

I thank God for her, and I can only hope to do my best in training her for a life of dedicated service to the One who has entrusted her to me.

There is nothing more frightening than to hear your two year old gasping for air after waking up from a nap. As usual, I arrive home from work after a long tiring day looking forward to a nice home cooked meal and a relaxing evening with my family. Caitlin was still napping, as Chris prepared dinner. Then we heard some noise coming from the bedroom, “She’s up,” Chris exclaims. “That’s not her, that’s the neighbor’s dog!” I retorted. After all, the noise I heard sounded like a barking noise. A few seconds later, I heard sobs. I quickly ran up the stairs and found her at the top of the stairs having difficulty breathing. My first thought was maybe she’s choking on something. Since her breaths were irregular and sporadic, I thought something might be blocking her airway. All those first aid classes as part of Pathfinders during my childhood quickly flashed into my mind. I proceeded to perform the Heimlich maneuver a few times. But nothing came out. That just made her cry all the more. At this point since she’s able to cry louder, she must be breathing, I concluded. She continued to gasp for air and make barking noises. A call to 911 was made, and in no time the ambulance had arrived. In the ambulance her breathing stabilized and her demeanor improved, even performing antics that made the paramedics laugh in the ambulance. At the hospital, the Doctor’s analysis was croup. A common condition in young children. Nothing to be alarmed about.

Although both Chris and I were calm during this whole ordeal, thoughts of possibly losing my 2 year old flashed in and out of my mind. Prayers were uttered.

Air is vital to survival. As a child, Caitlin already realizes this, as I saw her summon all her strength to take that next breath of air.

Prayer is the breath of our soul. Is my soul gasping for breath? Is yours?

Just wanted to share…

This video was taken with my phone (Sony-Ericsson K510a) and edited on the phone itself using the VideoDJ application included in the phone.