He suffered his first stroke attack.
It was hard to be so far away during times like these, but it was harder to be distant this time when I should have done something even if I am not obliged to do anything.People recover from stroke but a lot do not. I was in a conflict whether I would go home or wait for my scheduled flight two weeks later. Finally, after three days, I boarded on a plane and whispered a million prayers, in hope that nothing would ever happen to him.
I did not realize the intensity and propensity of stroke until it happened to my father. I am a nurse, but this time I am his daughter.
A day after I left the airport, I saw him lying in his hospital bed: a picture of a helpless man-an image that I never imagined him having. He was sleeping that time and when he woke up, he smiled at me.He was reaching for my hand- something that he had done for the past years- reaching out to me. I thought of the few moments that we actually had a decent conversation and almost all of those time, I have pushed him away.
His first attack left him unable to swallow, communicate or move the right side of his body. His stroke had compelled me to swallow my pride and do the right thing for him. I am not sure if I have let go all of my bitterness and resentment towards him.I may have forgotten the past but I have not completely forgiven him. I am still on that process. Now, I just want to give him the chance to forgive his own self.
He was already discharged from the hospital with a nasogastric tube and countless frustrations of not being able to move his dominant side and communicate his needs. I know that he does not want to give the three of us any inconvenience so he thrived to recover and regain his strength. After a few hours at home, he pulled out his tube and now can already tolerate gelatin and soup. He was easily transformed out of the helpless image he had in the hospital into a strong-willed fighter.
He is now under the care of his siblings and cousins and I, on the other hand,am spending my time with my family and friends. When the Super Typhoon "Pedring" hit the country, I was with my family enduring the six days blackout and strong winds and rains. A family who would always be there even in time of storms and strong winds. As it left the country, we had endured another typhoon together.
 |
| With my cute, "nas-tee" cousin, Madison Kaye |
 |
| The" Wacky Shot" |
 |
| The Quiñola family dine out- just a few meters outside the house |
These three storms were not in my vacation list. It was definitely not in my itinerary. But when I think of it, I am just thankful that after these storms came the time for healing and restoration. After these rains was the rainbow.
 |
| With BIE- a few minutes before meeting up with the gang |
 |
| The "gang"- BANG! |
