A Stroke of Character
My father suffered a sudden and massive stroke on the morning of 28 Jan 2006. That day was Chinese New Year's Eve - a day when everyone in the family was looking forward to a sumptuous reunion dinner as well as a joyous and warm family gathering.
We were all shocked. There were no symptoms nor warning signs.
His left side was paralyzed and he could not speak. He was also very thirsty as he could not swallow any food/drink.
In such dire straits, anyone would despair - understandably and naturally. But not my father. He showed no signs of despair - in fact his faith, hope and determination shone and revealed his invincible character; he may be physically paralyzed but he was spiritually impregnable.
Though he couldn't speak, he could still write legibly and his words amazed and touched all of us: there were no "why-me-God" complaints, no whining of pain, no anger. Instead, he asked about my nephew's faulty hard disk, requested to turn down the air-conditioning to save energy, and expressed his desire to attend the weekly Novenas at the Novena Church when he recovers!
His condition is currently stable but the doctor said that the next few days would be critical because of a potential list of complications. The whole family, friends and relatives are all praying for him. We do not know what God has in store for him - but one thing's crystal clear: whatever happens, he would always be in our hearts and his indomitable character would always be a source of inspiration for us.
We were all shocked. There were no symptoms nor warning signs.
His left side was paralyzed and he could not speak. He was also very thirsty as he could not swallow any food/drink.
In such dire straits, anyone would despair - understandably and naturally. But not my father. He showed no signs of despair - in fact his faith, hope and determination shone and revealed his invincible character; he may be physically paralyzed but he was spiritually impregnable.
Though he couldn't speak, he could still write legibly and his words amazed and touched all of us: there were no "why-me-God" complaints, no whining of pain, no anger. Instead, he asked about my nephew's faulty hard disk, requested to turn down the air-conditioning to save energy, and expressed his desire to attend the weekly Novenas at the Novena Church when he recovers!
His condition is currently stable but the doctor said that the next few days would be critical because of a potential list of complications. The whole family, friends and relatives are all praying for him. We do not know what God has in store for him - but one thing's crystal clear: whatever happens, he would always be in our hearts and his indomitable character would always be a source of inspiration for us.
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