Many boxers win because even though they were knocked down, they were never knocked out. I asked my father before what’s the difference between the two terms. He said being knocked down does not mean defeat because the fighter usually does not give up but stands up again and fights some more. However, a fighter who is knocked out means he has already lost.
This journey has been like a boxing match lately. Some challenges get in the way of accomplishing what seems to be our purpose for this journey. There are some days when we feel knocked down, but just like any good fighter, we have to get up and fight some more.
My latest battle was sort of debilitating. It has been like four months where I am up some days and down for many days. I felt useless most of the time as I could not even wash the dishes without feeling so weak and had to back to bed and rest some more. Reading, praying, watching Food Network and what else is there to do? The “go-getter” in me was so depressed…depressed to the core. The possibility that the next bout is more debilitating was scary.
January 25, 2007, after a visit with a doctor in SD and after some phone calls to my doctor in PI, my husband and I decided to go home to seek a more permanent solution to this monthly boxing match. Time is of the essence. Here is a diary of what transpired:
Jan 25 – we sought approval for travel back to the PI
Jan 26 – we scouted for cheaper air ticket. Thanks to Gin, Peter, Emmy and Tony who helped us in this process.
Jan 27 – we bought the ticket and started packing
Jan 28 – last minute time with teammates and friends who prayed for us
Jan 29 – we flew to Manila
Jan 30 – arrived in Manila
Feb 01 – had a visit with my ultrasonologist
Feb 02 – consulted with a specialist and had two procedures scheduled
Feb 04 – checked –in at the hospital
Feb 05- first procedure done at 7:30 am
Feb 07 – second procedure done at 8:30 am, at 2:30 pm I was back to my private room
Feb 09 – IV removed and was asked to walk
Feb 11- checked-out of the hospital
Feb 14 – celebrated Valentine’s Day at home with my one and only
Affirmations:
God’s unconditional love expressed through my husband Leo, friends, ministry partners and family members who gave their letters, emails, text messages, and prayers, love and support all throughout this time. I had friends praying from as far as Afghanistan up to California, New York and Davao. I had plenty of visitors almost daily even at home.
God’s provision, we went out of the hospital without any debt or without signing a promissory note. I had discounts from the three doctors who worked on me. And many partners and friends gave sacrificially to help us in the hospital bills. Our best man Boi, donated his blood to me.
God’s healing, When the doctors saw my urine output displayed below my bed, they praised the quantity and clarity of it. I passed gas on the first day and had my BM after less than 48 hours after the operation. Sorry for the graphic descriptions here but I just realized that we are normally embarrassed by these things, but at the hospital, they were considered wonderful signs of recovery.
God’s presence, the nurses and doctors had difficulty looking for a vein for my IV. Even the anesthesiologist who is the “sharpest shooter” of them all had a tough time. Imagine having inserted a gauge 18 needle for nine times on my right and left hand… what raced through my mind was our Lord Jesus’ nail- pierced hand. I had to deal with only a needle, but He had to deal with perhaps a one inch in diameter nail or bigger; I was lying down with both arms spread open like I am being crucified…I just thought that what I was experiencing was nothing. And besides, these doctors mean that I heal from my infirmity, but “You Lord were pierced to be killed.” As they gave me Demerol to make me sleep, I felt a sudden heaviness on my chest; I thought I was going for good…EVEN THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL FOR YOU ARE WITH ME”. Those were the last words in my mind. Next thing I heard was “Mrs. Breathe deeply, you are in the recovery room…”
One of our visitors preached on trials and tribulations while I was on bed. However, my husband politely told him that what we are experiencing as a couple is a “detour” but still an exciting part of the journey. I agreed. I personally have affirmed God’s unlimited attributes in my life as a result of this detour.
This journey has been like a boxing match lately. Some challenges get in the way of accomplishing what seems to be our purpose for this journey. There are some days when we feel knocked down, but just like any good fighter, we have to get up and fight some more.
My latest battle was sort of debilitating. It has been like four months where I am up some days and down for many days. I felt useless most of the time as I could not even wash the dishes without feeling so weak and had to back to bed and rest some more. Reading, praying, watching Food Network and what else is there to do? The “go-getter” in me was so depressed…depressed to the core. The possibility that the next bout is more debilitating was scary.
January 25, 2007, after a visit with a doctor in SD and after some phone calls to my doctor in PI, my husband and I decided to go home to seek a more permanent solution to this monthly boxing match. Time is of the essence. Here is a diary of what transpired:
Jan 25 – we sought approval for travel back to the PI
Jan 26 – we scouted for cheaper air ticket. Thanks to Gin, Peter, Emmy and Tony who helped us in this process.
Jan 27 – we bought the ticket and started packing
Jan 28 – last minute time with teammates and friends who prayed for us
Jan 29 – we flew to Manila
Jan 30 – arrived in Manila
Feb 01 – had a visit with my ultrasonologist
Feb 02 – consulted with a specialist and had two procedures scheduled
Feb 04 – checked –in at the hospital
Feb 05- first procedure done at 7:30 am
Feb 07 – second procedure done at 8:30 am, at 2:30 pm I was back to my private room
Feb 09 – IV removed and was asked to walk
Feb 11- checked-out of the hospital
Feb 14 – celebrated Valentine’s Day at home with my one and only
Affirmations:
God’s unconditional love expressed through my husband Leo, friends, ministry partners and family members who gave their letters, emails, text messages, and prayers, love and support all throughout this time. I had friends praying from as far as Afghanistan up to California, New York and Davao. I had plenty of visitors almost daily even at home.
God’s provision, we went out of the hospital without any debt or without signing a promissory note. I had discounts from the three doctors who worked on me. And many partners and friends gave sacrificially to help us in the hospital bills. Our best man Boi, donated his blood to me.
God’s healing, When the doctors saw my urine output displayed below my bed, they praised the quantity and clarity of it. I passed gas on the first day and had my BM after less than 48 hours after the operation. Sorry for the graphic descriptions here but I just realized that we are normally embarrassed by these things, but at the hospital, they were considered wonderful signs of recovery.
God’s presence, the nurses and doctors had difficulty looking for a vein for my IV. Even the anesthesiologist who is the “sharpest shooter” of them all had a tough time. Imagine having inserted a gauge 18 needle for nine times on my right and left hand… what raced through my mind was our Lord Jesus’ nail- pierced hand. I had to deal with only a needle, but He had to deal with perhaps a one inch in diameter nail or bigger; I was lying down with both arms spread open like I am being crucified…I just thought that what I was experiencing was nothing. And besides, these doctors mean that I heal from my infirmity, but “You Lord were pierced to be killed.” As they gave me Demerol to make me sleep, I felt a sudden heaviness on my chest; I thought I was going for good…EVEN THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL FOR YOU ARE WITH ME”. Those were the last words in my mind. Next thing I heard was “Mrs. Breathe deeply, you are in the recovery room…”
One of our visitors preached on trials and tribulations while I was on bed. However, my husband politely told him that what we are experiencing as a couple is a “detour” but still an exciting part of the journey. I agreed. I personally have affirmed God’s unlimited attributes in my life as a result of this detour.
