Amazing grace
(Last of four parts)
For those with severe illness, nothing can replace the love and care provided by loved ones. Here is the story of Tom and his remarkable wife Ada (not their real names).
“This was one of the many graces from God,” says Ada.
This change of perspective worked. The pandemic even became “a blessing” of sorts, since with the shutdown, Tom did not miss gatherings, and the chemo ward was mostly empty.
She sat beside her husband, asking him to squeeze her hands to answer questions. Buoyed by her belief in and love for him, he recovered neurologically.
“Thrice we had to ask to change nurses. One would not even brush Tom’s teeth! I also had to suggest more suitable meds when Tom was not yet in pain and did not yet require fentanyl.”
The scarcity of nurses and health staff is an indictment of our society. Many receive low wages despite patients shelling out massive hospital and care fees. Our national health care system also gives insufficient coverage despite mandatory hefty contributions from consumers and lacks trained and resilient personnel, most of whom unsurprisingly go abroad.
To business, government, health providers: Quality care is urgent and is the hallmark of a civilized society.
Before he passed, Tom pointed excitedly at the ceiling, surprise written on his face. Did he see his parents? No. An angel? No. God? Yes.
“God loves you, and He will be with you when you cross over,” Ada told him. “If you need more time, tell Him.” But Tom was ready. “Amazing! Tom was an agnostic, so God showed Himself at the end so he would believe.”
Tom passed away peacefully two years after diagnosis, his beloved Ada by his side. “Not everything that happens is going to be good,” said Ada, “But God will be with you until things are good again.”
Queena N. Lee-Chua is with the board of directors of Ateneo’s Family Business Center. Get her book “All in the Family Business” at Lazada or Shopee, or the ebook at Amazon, Google Play, Apple iBooks. Contact the author at blessbook.chua@gmail.com.