KUYANG JUANING(MY BROTHER IN LAW) IS IN CHINA

My brother in law is in Guangzhou, China specifically at Fuda Cancer Hospital. We brought him there last January 16, 2010 for his medical treatment that will probably last for 5-6 weeks. Ate Virgie, Marlon, Minette, Marvin and myself accompanied him there. The experience from day 1 up to the present was unforgettable. My brother in law has shown so much spiritual strength fighting cancer. He wants this treatment which he just read from the newspaper. We went back to the Philippines last Sunday, January 24, 2010 leaving him and Marlon at the hospital. My sister Virgie and Minette are set to fly again to China this coming Friday, January 29 after sorting out some important things here in Manila. Marvin will follow a week after. I will go back there too.. soon.

I have so many stories to share about the treatment, about the patients confined there(mostly Filipinos) and the hope I can see from the faces of every patient. The courage each one has to manifest...the patience one has to develop...the suffering one must endure and the sacrifice one has to give. There are so many lessons in life to be learned here. When Love is deeply developed among members of the family...when friendship blossomed among patients and relatives... how the physical pains were put to sideline because everyone is hoping for the best that life of the patients will be more comfortable after severe and deadly effect of chemoteraphy backhome. It is this HOPE one holds so dearly that one has to sacrifice for those who are already suffering because of cancer. Life has its end...it has limitations that one must know but the hospital offers big HOPE that patients' life can be prolonged not only for himself but also for his loved ones.

I would like to share with you some few lines taken from the message of Fuda Cancer Hospital..."Whatever unfortunate thing happened to us, we still need to choose life confidently. We can not give up despairingly. We may now at the lowest point of life but we still have the chance to choose. And the purpose of choosing life is not only for living, but we also need to live meaningfully...to comfort our loved ones till the end of life."

What saves...and who saves? Faith and the courage to survive are the best medicine. Prayers do a lot of wonders...modern technology helps in some ways. But the love each one shares and receives make the patients' conditions lighter and better.

Whoever has the chance or finds time to read this blog I made, I sincerely ask you to pray for my brother in law more frequently. He needs it...we need it. We all draw our strength from prayers. This is an experience and a journey one would not ever want to take... but this process will leave many wonderful things to those who find hope... and discover life while undergoing severe tests. It is one journey we would like to have a happy ending. And we are all looking forward to it. Everything happens for reasons and purposes...and we submit to HIS wisdom...to HIS perfect will.

WELCOME 2010

We welcome 2010 with a BIG bang. Similar to previous years, my Ate Virgie's family hosted a family gathering to welcome the New Year. Firecrackers and fireworks illuminated the sky. Marlon prepared for this event as we all bid goodbye to 2009. The year that passed was full of good and bad memories... and these would serve as our guide to where we all wanted to be. Personally, year 2009 was a good year for me. I have accomplished many things for myself and for my family. I was able to bring my sister Ate Virgie closer to the church where she is now very much active. I know this is just the beginning of better days to come. Reflections of 2009...leads to new directions to 2010. Life is a continuing journey...it is a process of continuous learning that we must all take. As we face a new beginning, I wish a simple but a happy life for my family...strength in times of adversities for nothing can ever defeat GOD's love despite human imperfections. HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!