Late Friday evening, life as I know it changed in an instant.
My Dad suffered a stroke. Some stranger found him unconscious in the streets of Manila, and brought him to the ER. There, they tried to treat him. He has been in a coma and on life support. And, even after 72 hours of hospital care, my father’s vitals just kept going down. That’s why even if we long for a miracle, we were already told to expect the worst.
Expecting the worst while living a few thousand miles away just seem to make it so much harder.
So, tomorrow, I’m off to see my dad. Possibly, to say goodbye. And admittedly, I don’t even know how to do just that.
Yes, that’s how my very rough week had been capped. Little did I know that last week’s ‘tough day’ was just the beginning. The rest of the week just kept throwing one difficult thing after another my way. It made that ‘tough day’ appear like a walk in the park instead.
That’s why instead of returning to ‘normal’ blogging schedule this week as hoped for/planned, it looks like I need to go for a longer break. I already quit my 365 project today, to give me some room to mourn and breathe and regroup.
And, although I’ll be back in Australia next week, I’m still not sure when I can re-start blogging here.
In any case, I have been sharing some updates on my Twitter account, whenever I need to engage in catharsis or to be in a place where I can connect. It’s usually where I send mobile notes as well, even when I’m unable to go online. If you’re interested to receive such updates, I’d love to welcome you as a Twitter friend.
Also, if you’ve sent me an email or comment recently - and you’re still waiting for a response - I hope to be able to get back to you as soon as I’m able to catch up with it all.
Anyway, for now, I just want to say thanks to everyone who already sent in their warm thoughts and prayers. Your words of comfort and hope have definitely been helping me through this very difficult time. So, again, thank you.
The picture you see here is an SP, of me holding an old photo album. That’s my dad on the left hand side, holding me at about age one. That’s also me on the right, with my dad holding me up as he was just teaching me how to walk.
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Write a Comment»Shai, I’m thinking positive thoughts for you and your family during this difficult time.
If there’s anything I can help you with or if you need help with blogs, please don’t hesitate to ask - I’m sincere in my offer.
My best to you and yours,
Deb
I was in the same situation myself. I just talked to my dad and told him to let go. You need this break,
I am so sorry you and your family are going through this. I am sending positive vibes that your dad will be ok, or at least not suffering.
My heart goes out to you and your family. I can only hope that knowing we are all thinking of you offers at least a small amount of comfort. If there’s anything we can do please don’t hesitate to ask. Hang in there, you will get through this and the heavens are watching over you!
Oh, Shai, I am so sorry.
Please know I’m thinking of you and your family.
I’m not the best person in situations like these…and I’m not the cheeriest in the bunch when sad news breaks…
but for all the things that you’ve done for us your online (and me, real one too)…we can only offer our prayers and virtual hugs to say that God bless you to be strong and be open for His plans in your life.
(Note: Had my trip to Manila pushed through - the virtual hug would’ve been real)
My thoughts and prayers are with you…I am really sorry to hear this. Best wishes.
We’re very sorry to hear about this news Shai. We’re praying for you and your family.
Sorry you’re going through this tough period, Shai. I wish nothing but peace for you and your family at this time.
Shai, my prayers and thoughts are with you during this painful journey. I cannot even begin to imagine what it might be like to wake up one morning and have my life changed forever. It seems like stuff that happens to other people in the movies.
Yet, knowing you and your blog, and suddenly hearing this news, it’s like living the experience with you. It’s scary and heartbreaking to watch from over here, I can’t imagine what it’d be like to be in your shoes, with a husband, with young children who don’t really understand, with a job, work and commitments.
Words seem so futile at this moment, as if, nothing I could say will do anything useful anyway… I wish i could give you hug, and be of some use to you and your family.
Please be strong, take one day at a time, look up at the blue sky and remember a God who has promised that he will not give us more than we can bear.
My love to you and your family,
Karen
you’re in my thoughts, shai. i hope you and your loved ones find strength, peace and love in these tough times. please take good care of yourself.
Shai, I’m so sorry. I can only imagine how difficult this is for you. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Following you now on twitter so we can watch for updates (lolagoetz). Big hugs to you.
My prayers are with you. I’m sending peaceful and positive vibes your way. *hugs*
Dear Shai, My thoughts are with you on this difficult journey. The love and friendship you share with us all so willingly will be your light on this difficult path. I know that each of us will help you on your journey, with our thoughts and love.
I’m so sorry to hear about your dad, Shai. Sending lots of hugs to you from London. xoxo
Hello Shai, we’re both shocked and saddened to hear about this. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I thank the Lord for the stranger who brought your Dad to the hospital. I wish the best for your Dad.
Shai, You and your family are in my thoughts. Be safe while traveling and I wish you strength during this difficult time.
Don’t rush to come back. You will know when it is time to move on and start the long road ‘back to normal’.
Hey there, I just caught your sad news on Twitter, via @copyblogger. I’m so sorry for your loss, Shai. My brother passed away suddenly in January, following a heart attack, so those feelings of shock and disbelief are still fresh in my memory. He was living in Sydney and I’m in South Africa, so I didn’t get to say goodbye either.
Nevertheless, grief is a very individual thing. My wish for you is that you will have space to grieve, and people around you who will allow you to speak of your father as much as you need to.
Take care of yourself. It does get easier.
K.
shai, i just saw your tweet. i am so very sorry. i wish i could say more to help. i hope you are able to find comfort in your family.
i’m so sorry to hear about your loss, Shai. This is my greatest fear.. something happening to my parents when I’m thousands of miles away. My heart goes out to you and your family. I’ll say a little prayer for your Dad.
Love, C
Very sorry to read of the loss of your father. I hope you and your family are coping OK.
Shai,
Sending lots of hugs and love your way. So sorry to read you lost your dad before you got to say goodbye. My heart just aches for you, as I totally understand. At least you are there for your family, etc. Take care.
i cannot even imagine what a difficult time this must be for you.
my prayers are with you and your family during this diffiuclt time.
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. Stay strong and I am offering my prayers for you and your family.
(((HUGS))) Sending up prayers, Shai…
Just saw your Twitter update. My condolences to you and your family.
Sorry for your loss, Shai. I hope your family finds some comfort from each other and friends this week and in the months to come.
Im so sorry for your loss Shai
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My condolences Shai. Hope our prayers will send you some comfort and strength.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Shai. I’m so sorry for all the difficulties you are going through right now. I wish you strength, and I hope that, in some way, you know we are with you holding your hand in all of this.
* hugs * to you!!!
please be strong.
Noemi - You have known grief far beyond I may have experienced. I am inspired to see you live life through it all.
Christie, Kari, Elizabeth - Thank you. I really appreciate it.
Junnie - Knowing I’ve got friends like you make all the difference. Thanks.
Sandy, Chaz, Mitch - I appreciate the thoughts and prayers. Thank you.
Karen - Thank you. I still owe you talk. Too many things have happened. Words can hurt and build and comfort. I do appreciate your kind words.
Vangie, Becky, Toni, Jim, Hsien, Em, becky (2) - Thoughts and prayers from friends old & new are very much appreciated at a time like this. Thank you so much!
Kerry Anne - I’m so sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing. You’re right. There are a lot of things I’ve learned about grief the last couple of weeks. One of them is knowing that no matter how many people wish to share your grief, everyone sees it from their own perspective. That’s why it can be so sad. But, knowing when we can connect and comfort each other somehow is a good thing.
Christine - It is a difficult situation to face. I do not wish it on anyone. But, unfortunately, it is part of the choice that we’ve made, when we decided to leave our country to pursue our lives away from families. It’s hard. It’s part of the grief and all that I’m facing right now. But, it makes us realise just how important it is to give what we can to them, under the circumstances.
Frank, Heather, dr_clairebear, Apples, Angela, Eric, Sophie, Jayme, Nenette, Jo - Your wonderful words of comfort are like healing cream to my wounded heart. I’m humbled and overwhelmed by your sympathy/empathy. I appreciate the friendship. Thank you.
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