Did you ever have that feeling that when something goes right, you think what's the catch? or if something is too good to be true, there's something bad that's going to happen to balance that effect? Well, I should have sensed it coming. We were just having too much fun last December that the bad thing should have been inevitable.
Christmas evening here in Manila, we received a call from Patrick's Dad and Tita Flor. We had a great time chatting and they were even able to talk with Dana and Dylan which was a great thing. Dana was telling them about the gifts she received and about seeing the Dinosaurs in Dinos Alive. It was a nice conversation.
The next day, Patrick received a call from a distraught Tita Flor that Dad collapsed and was taken to the hospital. It didn't look good. Later on, we found out that Dad flatlined and was revived a number of times until he lapsed into a coma. Further testing showed that he had kidney damage and a previous diagnosis of emphysema, which was probably what caused the heart attack when he was having trouble getting oxygen. The climate in Sacramento wasn't good too because it was too cold for him making it even more difficult to breathe.
The doctors said that they'll do further testing on the 3rd day because from their experience, comatose patients usually recover after three days. They'll have to see if there's still brain function and if he can survive without the life support machine. So, the waiting began.
It's tough being here in Manila, when all that is happening is a million miles away in another country. You wish to be there for your Dad but you can't. All you can do is hope and pray that he makes it.
On the third day, December 31, we found out that he no longer has any brain function and that his kidneys are damaged and may get worse if he survives. If he is taken off the life support machine, he won't survive. The family decided to end his suffering with much regret and loss. It's even more difficult for Patrick because his mom also suffered the same fate, having a stroke and ending up being in a coma. She did die on her own, sparing the family from ending her life.
The New Year doesn't look too good from this perspective. We need to find a way to bring him home. Finances are tight so cremation looks like a better alternative. It's just that they won't be able to see him for the last time. Hopefully, Stevie has better luck getting a US Visa so he can go there and personally bring their Dad home.
We're going to miss Dad. Dana and Dylan lost a loving grandfather. Patrick calls himself an orphan now. The only consolation I guess is that their mom and dad are now together. I can't even begin to imagine how Tita Flor must be feeling now. I pray that she has more strength to deal with what comes after.
My condolences to Patrick and your family. My heart goes out to all of you. i can relate to what you are going through. When my dad had his 6th heart attack, he also went into a coma and had multiple bodily breakdowns. As the eldest sibling, it was my responsibility to give the ok to "pull the plug." My dad brought me into this world.
ReplyDeleteIt was my duty to send him to the next world.
In the movie "White Christmas" there's a song titled "Count My Blessings." The first verse says
"When I'm worried and I can't sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep.
And I fall asleep counting my blessings"
Last year had such heartbreaking moments for your family. But from your blog, you have shown many here that the heartaches and disappointments that have come into your life are miniscule compared to your blessings. Thank you for reminding us that our blessings give us the strength to bear our heartaches.
Carlos,
ReplyDeleteI love what you wrote. And now, I always keep in mind "When I can't sleep, I count my blessings".
You are a God-send, a friend that was brought into our lives at a time that we needed it the most.
I will never forget you!