The Dangerous Health Thieves

By: Lourdes G. Mon

 

Iam so blessed that I am able to chronicle what just happened in my life. It is incredibly awakening. What happened to me was something I never thought would be my life’s experience. Never would have I thought that having a stroke and atrial fibrillation would be occurrences in my life experience, but they happened and now have the chance to write about them. Matter of fact this is the second scare for me.

The first time was when I was Philippine Independence Week Chair in 2018. I just arrived at the hotel at mid-day to get ready for the gala. I was feeling a panic attack so I took my medication but did not seem to work. In short, I was taken from the hotel to the emergency room. My dear friend Faye Mendiola was with me all the way. I surprised everybody when we appeared at the banquet later that evening. Against the better judgement of the doctors, I was able to talk myself out of the emergency room. To the surprise of everybody, my son-in-law, a doctor can only shake his head, and my friend Dr. Jerome Austriaco commented, “Only Lourdes can talk herself out of this kind of situation.” I was indeed very persistent to be back to the banquet. I was back to deliver my chairman’s speech. At that time, the keynote speaker was the Miss Illinois, Miss Erika Harold, who was running for Illinois Attorney General. She was still at the banquet when I arrive. We briefly exchanged pleasantries as the event ended.

As co-chair of this year’s District 1-A Lion’s Club Convention, I was at a meeting with Lions District Governor Tom Elsey and First Lady Lion Barbara, as well as Past District Governor Austin DSouza. We were meeting at a Dunkin Donut place. I could not thank them enough for making the right decision to save my life. Gov. Tom and wife Barbara stayed with me at the emergency room, to answer hospital questions. They stayed with me until my husband and daughter arrived.

The night before that day, I celebrated my 80th birthday. Friends from near and far were in attendance. My daughter Catherine her husband Dr. Stuart Slaw and children Jacob and Samuel were there, as well as my son Joey and his family: wife Verna, children Bianca and Vin came all the way from California. My granddaughter Princess Funa’s trip was botched; up by the airline, she missed the entire occasion. I thank the ten gentlemen, who did the special dance with me representing 10 decades of my life, namely,: my dear friend, Dr. Jerome Austriaco; my godchild Mike Yraola; my godchild Bobby Leighton, my grandchildren Vin, Samuel, and Jacob; my son Joey; and my husband Francis.

I am the recipient of plenty of God’s blessings that kept me alive. I am the lucky recipient of many, many prayers from family, friends, and strangers. I am so, so lucky to be alive. I thank the following dear friends:Faye Mendiola (did errands for me, too), Art & Naty Dilay, Veronica Leighton & Pastor Nancy Abiera, Marc Rita, May Chin, Drs. Ed & Nida Hernaez, Chantimar Sriaroon, Ben & Yoly Zoleta, Aurora Austriaco, and Paul Park for their visits. Those who texted me were Robert Chavez, Flor Castil & Zanty, Carrie Tierro, Lodi Po, Brandi Reedsbrook, Trisila Davidge, Violy Montoya, Elvie Ocampo and Jovy Sirianni. Myrna Mahant notified my sister in California.

I believe that my prayers are helping guide my life. Since the start of the pandemic, I have been attending mass almost everyday on-line, on television, mostly at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, or at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. I attend mass, pray the rosary, pray various novenas and special prayers including the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. I truly believe that the prayers of friends, my family, and other caring people, all contributed to my continued recovery. I feel very blessed to be alive, and recovering steadily. I can feel the effects of all the prayers offered on my behalf.

I am very appreciative of the care and attention of the doctors, nurses and other staff members at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. They cared for my needs in a very professional manner.

My appetite is my minor problem. I wish I could eat normally. The hospital food was no help, even if I was on regular diet. However, this is the least of my worries. In due time, I will be eating normally.

Finally, at times, we take our spouses for granted, but for me, I am very lucky to be married to a wonderful man, Francis Mon. In my incapacity, he spoils me rotten as I recuperate from my health problem. He is a dotting husband. He prepares my food, combs my hair, prepares me for bed, does the laundry; prepares my bath, doing the chores that I would normally be doing. All in all, I say, I am a very lucky person. God is on my side.

Thank you to all who continue to pray for my speedy recovery. I am forever grateful. In due time, with God’s blessings, I’ll be my old self, again.