Lovely Adelcy! ♥

2012 introduced itself to us in two grand ways: the birthday of our dear Amiel Mateo (01-02-2012), and Ate Adel's 54-day stay in the hospital when she suffered a stroke due to post-eclampsia when she gave birth to Amiel.

That was really the toughest time for our family. Kuya Maic, my second brother and Ate Adel's husband, was currently in the other side of the world, finishing his contract as a seafarer when these events happened. It was the toughest for him, because he had no idea what's happening, and we didn't know how to break it to him. When Ate was in coma and Kuya was still on board, we asked him to send us his voice messages that we can let Ate listen to, so she would feel his presence. I remember crying on my desk as I listened to Kuya's voice, trying his very best to be strong for Ate.

It was during the most challenging times that we felt the Lord's love. We were blessed abundantly. Kuya was allowed to come home and stayed with us for a few months. People prayed for us and helped us with our needs, whether in cash or in the medical equipment we needed. And just when Kuya was about to give up because Ate is still in coma, finally, after 3 weeks, she woke up. And two days before Ate Adel's birthday, on February 24, we are home.

She is still going through sessions of Physical and Occupational Therapy four days a week. And she just had her OT session this afternoon when I visited her. Her therapists would always give positive feedback about her progress, and they said her goal is to be able to walk again by December (because we have lots of gala, reunions and parties lined up). When I entered her room earlier, I just couldn't help but admire her, how strong and joyful she is, and still as lovely as ever. She has gained weight, and her skin tells she's in the pink of health. In fairness, the new hairdo ala-Demi Moore looked great on her!

Ate Adel, pic taken in Festival mall last Sunday

Amiel Mateo (boy po sya!) now 8 months old. Looks a lot like mommy!

Thank You, Lord for all the miracles You have shown us! You are truly a Great God! ♥

...oh dude...

***I posted this in my multiply account, way back 2007, in memory of a good friend and brother, Noel Ramido, and the inspiration he still brings me once in a while. He died March 5, 2007, at the young age of 18, due to Sarcoma***


...have we ever imagined what's it gonna be like when we die?  what will other people say? will they talk about us?...hmmm.... 

It was monday when i was startled by a call from a sister in YFC... When I answered the call, she was crying, "anak, si Noel...wala na..." ...that instance, i was shocked...then bigla ako ngflashback.... 

flashback... 

flashback... 

Noel is a friend which I'll surely never forget. We were still young then when I met him. Sobrang kulit, maligalig...ay grabe! as in naghahabulan kami 'pag may event! He won't last a day nang hindi ako kinukurot until I'd cry kc mgkakapasa na ako. Pero tawa lng sya ng tawa....hahaha....nakakainis!

Magaling sya sumayaw...and ang active sa service...talaga naman!

But then, life's not really that good for him. Dati, pinagpa-pray namin sya kasi may ooperahan daw sa arm nya...na naging tumor...na naging cancer....Sarcoma, that is.... 

Then I haven't heard from him for a long time. The next time I saw him, his left arm was already amputated. But still the same old noel, makulit, maligalig, kukurutin ako kahit isang arm kamay lang gamit nya. hmmmmppp!

He even joined us in the SEA Games rehearsal where we had to dance. Andaming tumitingin sa kanya na para bang nakakadiri sya. Gusto ko silang upakan! Hmmp! But for him, life goes on. He even danced with his, kahit di ok ang pakiramdam nya. 

There was one team building which he still attended and even volunteered as part of the service team. And as a service team, he insisted on washing the dishes, even with just one arm. Wow!

I visited him one time in PGH. It was when his gall bladder was removed. He was in pain, in very deep pain. And I felt so stupid to have asked him, "Kamusta ka?" although it was obvious that he's struggling. He replied in a slow and difficult manner, "eto, ok naman, unti-unting binabawasan ang katawan ko, but I'm ok, I'm not giving up, kasi alam ko madami pang papagawa sa 'kin si God. Madami pa akong mission. Gusto ko pang mag-Full time Work" I cried as soon as I got out of his hospital room. What kind of faith that is! He continued to inspire me. He has still continued attending our activities in between chemotherapy sessions, even though he has lost too much weight, and has gone complete bald. He strived to make everything normal for him.

January this year, I asked him to be one of the sharers for our Kasangga Retreat. Without hesitation, he immediately said yes. The night before his sharing, he texted me what time should he be in the venue. I said 8am, without me knowing that at that very moment as we were texting, he was in a bad shape. Still, he asked his parents to drive him to Sta. Cruz Laguna, two hours away from Pacita, to share to us how great God is in his life. His sharing was indeed an inspiration for all the delegates.  His arm was amputated, he's totally sick and have no idea how long still his life is, but he is making the most of his life serving God, whatever it takes.

Now that he's in God's arm, I know that he has really fulfilled his mission. He died at the young age of 18, but I know he is with the Lord.

Tama sya. Madaming tao ang kumpleto ang katawan, very healthy, but are not using their blessings to serve God. Hihintayin pa ba nating mag agaw buhaytayo para lang pagsilbihan Siya? Let's just make every second of our lives count by serving God and living for His glory...

..a life lived for God leaves a lasting legacy.....