The Storm That Was

"We all have sad stories to tell about the Typhoon Ondoy. This is not actually related to the recent typhoon that hit our nation, but my heart feels for the many families who lost their households and their loved ones. May God embrace us all in His Loving Hands."

While “Ondoy” was hitting the metropolis badly last weekend, I was in the hospital nursing my sick sister. She underwent appendectomy on Wednesday, September 23 which really caught all of us in the family very surprised.

The story goes like this…

Monday night, she was complaining of a bad stomachache. That was after she attended a company-required convention in The Heritage Hotel. Tuesday already saw her going to the hospital getting checked by our Lola’s doctor and was advised to take some medications. That very same night, she had difficulty sleeping because of the severe pain which prompted her to ask her friend (who lives with her and my Tita and Lola in our grandparent’s house) to bring her the soonest to the hospital. Off they went despite the unsafe wee hours of the morning; laboratories were done then lo and behold, the doctor confirmed it was appendicitis that’s giving her the stomach pains. Right there and then, we decided she’ll go for the operation. I had to cancel my attendance on a training while my younger brother took his day off from work.

It was really unfortunate for that very same moment, my Dad was confined in another hospital due to complications on his diabetes. It was my Mom who was tasked to nurse him. The original plan was NOT to tell Dad and Mom about my sister’s situation for we’re much concerned of his condition; his blood sugar and pressure has been very erratic since his confinement on Tuesday afternoon, September 22. But after Lola’s persuasion (and because of her drama antics), my Tita was forced to announce the bad news to my parents. Expectedly, Dad’s blood sugar and pressure went bad. Another cause of alarm! I immediately ordered my younger brother to check on Dad and Mom while I stayed in the hospital where my sister was undergoing operation. I instructed him to go since I know that during times like that, my Mom could have the tendency to miss her focus knowing that she herself is also sick. And so I was left with my Tita and my sister’s friend in her hospital room waiting for what appeared to be a tripled six hours! The many times I asked the nurses what’s taking the operation so long, I always get the same answer: “Nasa recovery room na po, pahintay na lang!”

Fortunately, the operation went well…

Thursday, I went to work. In as much as I wanted to take the day off, I simply couldn’t. We had on site a Senior Executive to give us business updates and we also had client visitors. As HR Lead, I had to attend a few meetings with this Senior Executive and present HR Updates on the client visitors. Yes, I went on duty for 24 hours. It’s good that we were given some time to take a nap in the office’s lounge area.

Friday, I went to the hospital where my Dad was confined to process his discharge (praise God!). And again, thanks to his HMO card we did not pay even a single cent on his bills. Immediately after sending Dad and Mom home, I rushed to the second hospital to check on my Sister. Gladly, she was already conscious! She only needed assistance when she’s moving, but was already wide awake. And yes, she was back on her snooty self! Such a freak!

Now, our next goal: for her to defecate so we could go out of the hospital. (We were told it will be the indication that her body systems were well and that the operation did not develop any complications). But the goal was such a heavy task ~ she simply can’t do it! We were even joking we can be volunteers.

Saturday, I woke up late because of the lulling winds and rains (and of course, I had to catch up on my lost sleep). I had no idea how bad the storm was because I was not able to catch the news for advisories. After my usual morning rituals, I readied myself and head to the hospital weathering the strong winds and the heavy rainfall. In the hospital I saw Mom, Dad and Tita taking charge of my brat sister. When I arrived, Tita and I asked Mom and Dad to go home so Dad could rest. A few more hours, my sister ordered my Tita to go home to look after my Lola who was left alone in the house since we’re already hearing some bad news that many areas were flooded already. From the windows of the hospital we could see the water level in the creek nearby slowly rising. Thanks God we were spared from the heavy downpour while inside the hospital; although of course it could be better if we’re at home sleeping sound with our family. Some little trade-offs of course!

We were patiently waiting for her attending physician the whole day but perhaps due to the bad weather, not even his shadow showed up. That was understandable. Good thing that Sister has not developed any complications and did not complain any pain. Late Sunday night when he showed up ~ I was half asleep when he checked my sister ~ and gladly, we heard the best news we’re longing to hear. She could go home. We waited the next morning for him to clean my sister’s wounds and for him to sign our discharge slip. I will no longer mention how much we paid for the hospital bill but it yes hit my and my brothers’ purses badly. No biggie in exchange to the wellness of a dear sister!

Right now, Sister is recuperating at my grandparent’s house. She will be on leave from work for two months and I heard she will have many pending tasks to finish. Good luck to her boss and the person who’ll take her responsibilities for a while. But moreover, good luck to my Tita and Lola they will need to bear with the supercilious attitude of my sister hehehe. I will be sending her some books and DVDs on Monday (my day off) for her to read and watch while on sick leave. That hopefully could help her go through the boredom of staying home doing nothing.

Now what did this whole experience taught me?

First, it only reinforces to me the cliché that the family is your number one refuge during the hard times. When all else fails, your family will remain your strongest shield in the many adversaries that will come along your way.

Second, those who were showing smiles while facing you does not really mean they’re your allies. Need not elaborate, this is self-explanatory.

Third, better be prepared. You better be ready in all emergencies ~ sickness, calamities, etc. Of course there could be no perfect game plan on cases like this, but best if you have your weapons handy at all times ~ money, money and money. I am not saying you should be greedy to focus all your attention in raising money; but yes, someone who saved for the worst will triumph the best!

Lastly, ordeals are way of life. They are there and unchangeable. But what’s good is the fact that no matter how difficult they may be, they could still be manageable. An open mind and an open heart are the sure tools. These two will lead you to the pot of gold!

So long folks! Till next time!