(First of 2 Parts)
Before 2023 ended, my faith in the Almighty was tested. When the year started well with my son Osmund and Erika’s wedding in June, the election as First Vice President of Cavite ASMEPPS 103-A Lions Club, and being busy with our school trying to increase its enrollees, I was struck out of nowhere with cellulitis that almost ended my life on November 7. Thanks to my son Osmund, who asked a friend to check on me personally at home.
My consultation with our good friend, Dra. Jocelyn Credo Deapera, was helpful as she prescribed my initial antibiotics for the swelling in my right foot. But my condition worsened because I was also taking an alternative supplement to detoxify my body. This may have led to an electrolyte imbalance. There were times I hallucinated that I was in heaven, seeing a beautiful angel, only to find out it was China Marie, my wife. Then I wondered whether I was in heaven or purgatory. That was, of course, something I could joke about now that I had successfully, through God’s grace, overcome death.
The doctor that my son’s friend, Dr. Fadi, sent, called Osmund saying these words: “Osmund, we need to take your dad to the hospital. This can no longer be treated at home since I suspect the infection is spreading throughout his body.” Until today, I could not remember nor recall the name of the good doctor, who never charged us a fee.
My wife asked Hezel to request an ambulance from Barangay Molino 6. Through the help of Kagawad Boy Samson, an ambulance arrived and brought me to Saint Michael Hospital. With the quick laboratory results, they advised China to take me to a tertiary hospital since I was critically ill. While still groping for the actual scenario, I asked my wife to ask a friend if they could facilitate my transfer to PGH. Thank God, they advised us to go to the emergency room, and I was admitted.
Had I died, I would have been celebrating my death anniversary with my dad, Ding, on my sister Stella’s birthday. For sure, she would have cried, not only because she lost a father but also a handsome brother. Death comes at a time we don’t ask for it. Even the near-death experience of my former officemate, Carl Alcueza, was something he never wished for, nor the sudden hospitalization of my brother John and our good friend Rey Camilon this November. None of us knew this would happen. Death, as they say, comes like a thief in the night.
As I was recovering from the 21 days I stayed in the hospital, the problem of financially solving it was through the help of my mother Norma, sister Stella, and brother Dominic who called me and were crying. I told them I was not dead yet, but would soon be if not operated on, and this would require financial help. As a family, money was never an issue if one needed help; they sent wire transfers at once. My brother John, who currently is tied up financially with all his children still going to school, sent his good wishes daily. He, almost a few months after me, had been hospitalized and currently is on dialysis twice a week. (To be continued)
