I Survived

On this day three years ago at around 9:30 in the morning, I figured in an accident while attending a national church (UCCP) planning conference at the First Pacific Leadership Academy in Antipolo, Rizal. I tripped and I heard people shouting: It’s a stroke! They rushed me to a hospital, and the physicians after some tests confirmed it was, indeed, a stroke -  a cerebro-vascular accident.

 Great Thanks to God, I survived the accident.  My gratitude is beyond words to those around who extended  all possible support and assistance to help me overcome those moments of  helplessness.

The accident, like many other accidents, happened without any signs or warning. I experienced no bodily pain or discomfort before and when it happened. The stroke cut off the power supply to my left extremities to this day. I can’t move my left leg and arm. My vision gets a little blurred, and I lost strength and control in my speech. I notice I talk rather fast and tire immediately.

After three months of physical therapy I was able to rise from bed unassisted and walk with a cane inside the house. In a little while I managed to walk some few meters without a cane. The progress was disrupted by a sudden inability to pee.  My left extremities convulsed in excruciating spasms. I thought my left arm and leg would break and separate from my body. It was torture for some 5-6 days before and after a ureteroscopy to remove a kidney stone from my bladder.

Indeed, when it rains it pours. I was back to square one  in my walking exercise. It was never the same again because the drop foot seems to have worsened. Nonetheless, I am back with a cane. But I weigh 53 kg. Imagine dragging a sack of rice to move a distance with a cane.

The struggle continues with the encouragement and support of my loved ones and friends;  I thank everyone for this.

Life is still good despite some piercing bouts of depression now and then.

I am grateful to the Lord for not repossessing my mind. This frees me from the prison of my body and allows me to move far and wide in time and space.

Life is beautiful.