Blogs from Jupiter

We had an emergency late last week. My mom phoned me very early Friday morning because we have to bring dad to the hospital. So from my dormitory, I drove fast to our new home in Banawe, Quezon City, leaving my youngest brother alone in his sleep. We brought dad to the nearest available hospital and was confined for four nights. We just checked out yesterday.

Papa has not been eating properly for the past weeks and this took a big toll on his health. He vomits his food brought about by his incessant coughing. The coughing has also made sleeping difficult for my dad. He is so frail and thin now. We think that the cancer has metastesized because for the first time, he complained of pain in different parts of his body. He is to weak to stand. He is now bedridden. We bought him a wheelchair and his own hospital bed at home. We’re about to buy stuff for oxygen support, and in case of more feeding problems, we might resort to IV again.

We’re still fighting despite the fact that dad is not undergoing chemo. But we are aware of the truth that dad has to really go soon. While dad was in pain, I was praying out loud so he could join me in my prayers. And yes, God heard our prayers as he was able to rest from the coughing and the pain. My dad has been seeing angels, literally. On my end, I did feel their presence.

Last Sunday, September 17, the family celebrated my youngest brother’s 13th birthday at my dad’s hospital room. This was the same hospital where my brother was born. I was out for work during the celebration. I was told that dad has started saying his goodbyes and has already assigned his unfinished works to each of us, as well as certain tasks as to who will take care of things when he crosses over.

It was sad according to my brother. But of all people, it seems that my youngest brother is the most mature in handling our situation. He said: "Dad is old and sick. I am sure of his place in heaven. Saan pa nga ba pupunta si daddy kung hindi sa heaven?"

"Daddy will still be here. What is gone is just his physical body. But he will always be with us in spirit. He will be working together with the angels. He will continue his works through Kuya Joop. He will take care of mama through Kuya Jake. He will bring us to the US through Ate Grace and Ate Govi. He will take care of me through Ate Chi and Kuya Joop. And he will still help me with my assignments," he adds.

I asked my brother what made him think of that, and he said: "Daddy told me so. Sabi ni Daddy babantayan niya tayo araw-araw."

With that, I gave my baby brother a big hug and greeted him again a happy birthday.