Thursday, May 5, 2011

Dear Mama

A million words can not describe what you have done and countless memories run through my heart.
All I know is that you are mama. And mama had become a comforting. nurturing word. And if I'd cry out, I know "mama" would be the word in my lips. Yes, mama is synonymous to the ways of love.
Though, it had often been said that children are blessings, may I say that mothers are greater blessings.
And Mama, you took the chance to be God's gift to six children and to the many more who took you as their own.
Thank you, mama. I love you.

Sunday, May 1, 2011

Medicine in the Philippines

"I want to be a doctor" used to be every child's answer on what you want to be when you grow up.
I am so glad in the Philippines, the medical profession had not denigrated into a mere health insurance participant. With an elderly mother, hospital becomes a familiar place to be. It's tough to have a sick loved one but it's always an opportunity for loving and caring. Nurses, doctors, and aides had to be in this environment everyday.
It is truly a blessing when people do their jobs, not just as jobs but with a commitment to nurture life- nurturing life whatever state or stage so that he/she may have a chance to fulfill God's purpose and to prepare for our more definitive life.
Dr. Guieb is such a wonderful doctor, she can still be contacted even through the wee hours. She is so intuitive and sensitive to the patient's unique needs. Dr. Reyes is a young resident who can still smile and joke making a patient at ease. Dr. Herbosa is my ideal doctor, so caring and so patient. She makes the patient and her family so comfortable with her presence. Nurse Kit and nurse Philip were also nice to be around with their smiles and a sense of connection with the sick.
Amidst challenging circumstances in our lives, it is a blessing to have people around who not just work as they should but work with love and goodwill. And I hope and pray that the medical profession in the Philippines would continue to be in service of God, life and real people.