.JPG)
Birthdays mark the end of a year of growth and development, a year of experiences, and a joyous start to the next year. Our family celebrated K's 3-year-old birthday yesterday, and this special day reminds us of the mercy and love our Heavenly Father has shown us since her birth, and especially for the past one year when she was hospitalised at the paediatric ICU twice. That was a total of 76 days being critically ill.
Our princess warrior survived Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO), kidney dialysis, chest tube insertion, intubations and ventilated using the High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (HFOV), numerous X-rays, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitations (CPR) performed on her, countless pricks for various blood tests and multiple insertion of feeding tubes through her nose into her stomach/small intestines - all these just in the last one year. I did a count on the number of medical specialists who help us manage her physical health currently - she sees the cardiac specialist, the respiratory specialist, gastroenterology specialist, renal specialist, eye specialist, ENT specialist for her ear, neurology specialist and her paediatrician who oversees her development. Not forgetting her endearing team of dietician and therapists for physiotherapy and feeding. I still need to add on a speech therapist for her speech and language development and an occupational therapist (both roles assumed by me for now). That is a loooong list of medical staff she sees!
Despite all these, K has repeatedly reminded us of God's promise for us that we are able to bear all these challenges and overcome them. Yes, we cried and were saddened each time she was critically ill with pneumonia. We almost stopped breathing when her oxygen dropped so low that she had to be given CPR to be resuscitated. We pained each day when she was on ECMO as well as being ventilated by the breathing tube. But each time, we continued to hold on to God, and we know that God hears our prayers and knows our pain too, and His plans will always be the best for K.
 |
Each time K was critically ill in the PICU, she emerged stronger - not in terms of physical strength, but by her fighting spirit. Each time, she fought on harder, and overcame those hurdles in her life. The first time she stayed at PICU last year, she started doing the four-point crawl, a movement she didn't display for many months despite many physiotherapy sessions. The second time she stayed at the PICU in Feb this year, she was able to vocalize more sounds after her discharge. This recent admission left her physically the weakest. She did not have the strength to lift her head and arms, roll over or even sit up for many weeks. But slowly, little by little, she cooperated with me to complete her exercises and regained much of her strength to prove that she can.
She is also a very observant child, and imitates us well. She "uses" the stethoscope in a rather professional way, "checks" her temperature with the ear thermometer, and even knows that the sensor of the pulse oximeter should be fixed onto her finger for it to work! To my horror, I even caught her turning the control knob of the oxygen concentrator (a machine that delivers a concentrated level of oxygen to her) just like how I do it.
She is also a very observant child, and imitates us well. She "uses" the stethoscope in a rather professional way, "checks" her temperature with the ear thermometer, and even knows that the sensor of the pulse oximeter should be fixed onto her finger for it to work! To my horror, I even caught her turning the control knob of the oxygen concentrator (a machine that delivers a concentrated level of oxygen to her) just like how I do it.
As we continue to walk this journey with K, to support her in whatever ways she needs, we pray that she will continue to shine her light for God to encourage the people around her, to continue her joyful outlook and not feel burdened by any factor that can weigh her spirits down, and to always look to God when she needs the strength to overcome any challenge. We are thankful to everyone who has played a part in her life to make it better, and happier for her.
Happy birthday, K!
PS. May I request for you to write a birthday wish or message to K? We will be reading all the birthday messages to her so that she knows she is so loved.
Linking up with Mum in the Making
Today is our nation's birthday! We are wearing red, just like what we do every year, to show our pride and love for Singapore! And the taste of pride was even sweeter when we saw fellow Singaporeans donning their red and white attire on our way for a morning picnic with our friends. This evening, we will also be waiting to watch the National Day Parade celebrations on TV, just like we have always done.
 |
| Having fun playing with acrobatic sets! |
This year, my wish for Singapore is to continue to have success and prosperity, as well as the peace and security we have always enjoyed. In the past, we didn't have to worry for our safety when we walked along the streets at night, and we shouldn't have to, in the future too. May our leaders to continue to be impartial, reliable and true to their promise for the nation. There has been a lot of talk about the younger generation being too vocal about their displeasure for our government. Though I agree with some of the displeasures brought up, to be fair, many of our leaders have been delivering good works.
To my children, it is my wish that you will remember the good things and opportunities that Singapore has to offer instead of focussing on what we lack and grumbling about it. I hope that wherever you may be in the future, you will continue to love Singapore, and to feel proud to be a Singaporean just like how you are now. Work hard for yourself and for God, and be a useful citizen, remembering that no one owes you a living. We have to create the future we want to see in Singapore ourselves. I also pray that you will grow to be a gracious citizen and contribute back to the society, especially for the disadvantaged, to your best ability.
To my ex-students, it is comforting to know that many of you are doing well after your secondary school years, be it in your studies or careers. This is what your teachers have always emphasized and wish for, and I am happy that I have a little part to play in grooming the future of Singapore. I have benefitted from many of my ex-students through their course of work. For example, one is a capable nurse at NUH and took good care of K when she was hospitalised. One is a pre-school teacher whom in her own ways, encourage and remind me that everyone is unique, and that all can succeed. We just have to be patient with the progress. I pray that all of you will continue to do your best in whatever you do, and remember that you are the future of Singapore!
~
This is home truly,
where I know I must be.
Where my dreams wait for me,
where the river always flows.
~
What wishes do you have for Singapore? Do share them with me!
[Reminiscing the past]
A poem written by our friend - Phillip V.
Many years ago, when Ch was probably about 3 years old, we met our friend - Phillip - for the first time at the church where we worship. The funny thing was, Ch wasn't stranger-shy at all and started talking to our ang-moh friend. She even invited him to our place and gave him directions which probably wouldn't lead him to the right apartment if he had follow those instructions. Ch was (still is, but her shyness level has increased) a natural at holding conversations with any adult. I guess our friend must have been very amused by her innocence and mega cuteness then.
A poem written by our friend - Phillip V.
For Charlene --
“I’m going to a beautiful land.”
Was the song I heard her sing.
And as I wondered about this place.
My thoughts were on Charlene.
There is wonder, in a little girl
That is innocent and sweet.
And in her song she reminded me
Of the things I’d like to be.
The whimsy of the song she played.
Knowing the support she would receive.
It didn’t matter what words came out
When she said them, we all believed.
Those simple words rolled off her tongue,
Some words we’d call “nonsense”
But in the heart and the voice of a child.
We were all held in suspense.
Just saying words, straight from her heart
Knowing that nobody cared,
If she messed up, or missed a note
She’s a child and would be spared.
No ridicule from jeering eyes.
No harsh words would come her way.
For we all believe in a beautiful land
And we all hope to go some day.
And yet I think of her growing up,
And perhaps stifling her “art”
and losing hope and tenderness,
And pushing aside her heart.
Losing the whimsy of a child
To be “serious” and “smart.”
But wouldn’t it be Oh - so nice
If we all had Charlene’s heart?
So a lesson was learned at least by me
While listening to her song…
Charlene, thanks for teaching me,
You’re my inspiration - Rock On.
***
Uncle Phillip
***
Looking forward to the day K can stand up and walk on her own once again.
