Second Life, Second Chance

A Promdi Blogger’s take on life in the Philippine countryside.

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3 January 2008

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My mother got me back the day I almost lost her. I was the youngest of five siblings and among us, I was the one most attached to our parents. However, the need to find my own space and live a life of my own has somehow created a space between us. I no longer find the need to go home every weekend and if I do, I often spend most of my time with friends.

Last December 16 my Nanay had a stroke and it was the scariest day of my life. I never felt so hopeless and helpless at the same time. Seeing her in the state she was in tore at my heart. Her CT Scan read acute cerebral infarct. I don’t know exactly what that means but the word acute is enough to make me fear for her life. Her neurologist explained that a major vein collapsed when her BP shoot up thus blood was not able to flow to parts of her brain. She’s already 74 years old. The prognosis wasn’t good. If she did survive after 5 days, she will be half paralyzed.

Suddenly I felt guilty, guilty of not being the daughter she deserved. Guilty of not making her happier. Guilty of not making life much easier for her and Tatay. My mind was filled with “if onlys”, of “what ifs” and all the things I should have done for them. I never prayed so hard in my life. I was hoping for the best but preparing for the worst and praying for the wisdom to accept such fate. She spent fourteen days in the hospital, four of which in ICU and I never left her side all those days. God is good. Even Nanay’s doctors were amazed at her fast recovery. She was not paralyzed, her speech is normal, and she doesn’t need physical therapy. It was Nanay’s second life and our second chance to prove to her how much she means to us. It was the best Christmas gift I ever received.

This ordeal has also brought our family together. If there’s one person that binds us together, it’s Nanay. I was overwhelmed by the support we received during the lowest time in our life. We are not rich but help was always given, without us asking for it. Not everyone is given a second chance. I’m glad we were, and this new year, I promise to love and serve my parents more. They deserve better for their remaining years.

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15 Comments »

Maldito said:

Thank God shes safe. I also love my mom after my experience with my dad……Im full of “what if’s” when my father died, and now I shouldnt be doing that again when all i only have is my mom. Just pray. Pray works and Im hoping your mom can fully recover. Tell her do not eat this and that, like hipon, beans, pork..ahehhe…have a nice day fellow ilonngo..all will be allryt!

# 3 January 2008 at 8:45 pm

jessie said:

gladits,

i understand what you’ve been through. ako rin very attached sa mother ko. sometime this week iba-blog ko yun.

# 3 January 2008 at 8:46 pm

gladita (author) said:

My mother’s life is the best Christmas gift I received. We’re really careful now on her diet. Kasimanwa, take care of your mom and do your best to make her happy.

# 3 January 2008 at 9:04 pm

gladita (author) said:

jess,

I can’t imagine life without her. I’m not yet ready to loose her now. We now shower her with affection and tell her how much she means to us. Something we didn’t do before.

# 3 January 2008 at 9:08 pm

kwan said:

second chance indeed. thank God. i am praying for her fast recovery.

# 4 January 2008 at 5:07 pm

gladita (author) said:

Thanks abyan! I know I can count on your prayers.

# 4 January 2008 at 6:34 pm

xienahgirl said:

im glad to have my mom
hope you are too as well

i mean
you having your mom
not mine
hahaha

# 7 January 2008 at 9:33 pm

gladita (author) said:

hahaha…oo naman. i’m glad to have my mom and you to have yours. ma link nga kita. pag ni-link mo ako iboboto kita sa Project LaughTrip. hehehe

# 8 January 2008 at 12:39 am

Junelle said:

That’s nice! Better be up to your words … and if ever God wants your Nanay to be on his side, just think that God always have a better plans for everyone of us. Always think positive and be ready of what life would bring.

No “what if’s” this time … just do what you think is right and best for the majority …

Enjoy this year and years ahead.

# 8 January 2008 at 2:32 pm

gladita (author) said:

I now leave things up to Him, my life and those I love. God did not only gave me back my mom’s life but also made me realized I am nothing without Him.

# 8 January 2008 at 9:20 pm

gladita (author) said:

You may be a lot of things but I know you’re not insensitive and I know you care. I appreciated your silence, actually. I remember that text. It’s just a reminder in case you sometimes forget how important your mom is to you. They don’t read thoughts nor know what’s on your heart unless you tell and show them. God Bless you and your family too.

# 8 January 2008 at 9:40 pm

Goals and Resolutions for 2008 | Promdi Living said:

[…] Promdi Living An Ilongga’s take on the daily grinds of life in the province. Second Life, Second Chance […]

# 9 January 2008 at 9:36 pm

I'm A Skeptic, So Sue Me | PromdiLiving.com said:

[…] believe in miracles. I believe the reason my mother is still alive today after what she’d been through, is because of a miracle from God. All I did was ask God to heal my mother and leave it all up to […]

# 4 February 2008 at 4:05 pm

Busuanga, Palawan - My Nanay Deserves Nothing Less | PromdiLiving.com said:

[…] gift. I was planning a big family get-together for her to make the day extra special. You see, we almost lost her last December. The celebration I was cooking up would be a celebration of her life and a thanksgiving for the […]

# 11 June 2008 at 11:01 pm

Goals and Resolutions for 2008 | PromdiLiving.com said:

[…] my financial status in distress state. Most of my Christmas bonus were spent on hospital bills when my mom had a stroke last December. What’s left of it and a loan proceed, I used to pay for down payment for a […]

# 11 June 2008 at 11:42 pm