She went through chemo and TCM treatment with
thanksgiving and praises to the Lord amidst the pain and suffering. After 3
years, she almost made it. But the bad news came early 2013 that she had a
relapse and they had spread to her brain. What devastating news! Yet she kept
her faith and pressed on.
I felt something amiss in mid 2013 when my
sms were returned with great delay. After talking with her, I was comforted and
encouraged that she was well. My heart was rested that she was on the road to
recovery. 
3 months later, she was warded after a fall at home due to fits. I knew I had to see her. Though her name was listed at the entrance to the ward room, I could not locate any familiar face. And when I did, emotions got the upper hand. Her locks were completely gone. Her face was a little puffed up. Her body limp and slumped back into the chair. Definitely not the sanguine and lively person that I once knew. As I made quick steps toward her, she looked at me dazed. When I kept calling her name, tears welled up in her eyes. I hugged and kissed her at this happy yet sad moment of reunion. No words were spoken, only tears to bridge the gap of 27 years.
That night I could not sleep. The encounter was traumatic with memories like tsunamis flooded my mind and ached my heart. As I prayed for the divine healing hands of God on her and claimed His promises, I folded 100 stars with different bible verses inscribed on them. I gave her the jar of “prayer stars” on my second visit. Again, no words, just a lump in my throat and a goodbye kiss.
She was moved to a nursing home. But in own
buziness, October just blew by. When I received news that she was transferred
to a hospice, I knew the time had finally come. Though she was heavily sedated
with morphine and did not respond, I kept vigil with prayer, calling her name
and wondered if she would ever make it out of the hospice alive. Somehow I was
reluctant to go but I left anyway, not realizing it was my farewell
kiss.
Exactly a week later, I trod sadly and
solemnly on a familiar road to her home. She was dressed in cherry, bright
yellow and laid serenely in a white coffin. I was reminded of 1 Tim
6:7: “For we brought nothing into the
world, and we can take nothing out of it”.
Money, status and power became meaningless when we are ill and lay sick in bed.
We are unable to do things for ourselves; cannot reach, touch or handle or
enjoy the golden glitters in our bank accounts, the million dollar worth condo
property, the diamond sparkles on our blue chip investments. Status and power
are also left at the exits of the office. Health is wealth is not just a slogan
but a truth filled with wisdom and I am learning these lessons.
As I stood silently beside her, I took a long
last look. I wept as I tried to find closure. It was with great sorrow and deep sadness
that we had to say goodbye but I am comforted to know you are now in the safe
arms of Jesus. I thank God for you, for being a mentor on my first job, for
being a close confidant and above all else, for your generosity, love and friendship. Till we
meet again, I will miss you.
