Dateline: Resurrection Life Center

By: Joe Mauricio

 

Last January (the 10th to be exact), I was hit in the face with pneumonia, severe flu, diabetes, heart problem, and the most dreadful of all, OLD AGE. I know I am getting old, but I did not realize how quick it hit me.

Just lying in bed for that long period (almost three months now), gave me time to reflect and challenge myself on how to overcome old age. Arriving in America in the 50’s reminds me that my fellow Filipinos that consist the first and second wave of immigrants from the Philippines are now in their ripe ages of 70’s, 80’s, even 90’s, all trying to cope with the undeniable passage of aging.

Getting older is an inevitable part of life. At some point, every person who lives long enough will have to come to terms with the fact they aren’t young person anymore.

Being older somehow has real advantages, but there are also some aspects of aging that can be hard to accept. As we age, both our bodies and minds don’t work as well as they used to be. These changes don’t have to mean that life, as you know it, is over. There are many things you can do to make your later years more enjoyable; and, in doing so, make it easier to accept that you are getting older.

1. Have realistic expectations in life

Our culture encourages us to think they can be young forever, if they just use the right creams and take the right supplements. The fact is, this just isn’t true. As you enter your later years, try to develop realistic expectations of what getting older will actually be like.

2. Try to relax

Many people panic when they realize they are getting older. Try to stay calm and take things in stride.

3. Avoid denial

There’s nothing wrong with doing what you can to look and feel your best in later years. However, accepting you are getting older means you shouldn’t try to mask or hide your age from other.

4. Redefine attractiveness

That is, to the extent you are able, try to rethink what attractiveness means, focusing on the whole person rather than a youthful physique. You are never going to look like 20 years old again, but being attractive in your 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s means something different than it did when you were in your 20’s.

5. Embrace your past, but don’t try to relive it.

Your past is a huge part of you are. Reflecting on where you’ve been can help you become a more mature person, and reflecting on the changes you’ve gone through before, can help you accept the changes you’re experiencing now. Trying to relive the past as a way to cling to your youth only delays acceptance of your current life’s situation.

6. Be proud and grateful

The fact that you are getting older means you survived. Not everyone does. The life experiences you had taught you lessons and, hopefully, granted you a wisdom younger people don’t have.

7. Keep adding items to your list on things and persons that make you grateful. First of all, is our God Almighty. Secondly, to my dearest Irog Vero, for her most loving, dedicated, cheerful and undivided attention she has given me, with or without health concerns.

Looking excitedly to my upcoming release from the Resurrection Life Center, where I spent several weeks of Rehab after my ICU confinement at its sister Resurrection Hospital. Though it breaks my heart to leave these heartwarming individuals for giving me the ultimate health care any sick person could ask for, my heart still yearns for “home sweet home.”

I would like to thank these special people who shared their time with me from recovering from my afflictions. I am fully grateful to the doctors, physical therapists, registered nurses, aides and the management people from this health institution, although “thank you” seems so insufficient for these people who performed beyond their job responsibilities…

Dr. Andrew Sherman (pulmonary), Dr. Dean Katsamakis (heart), Maria Lourdes Cenabre (DON), Mary Ellen Karas La Jeunesse (Social Worker), Gemma Orbello (PT Manager), Mike Entis, Louella Alcedo, Tommy Palese & Jannelle Semarco (PT’s), Maria Debkonska, Leneth Zuniga, Sharon Gulla, Kristina dela Pena & Dolly Liwage (RN’s), Maria Halat and Dee Durary (CNA’s).

Let me express my wholehearted gratitude to these people who took time to visit me and give me comforting words of encouragement and sincere prayers for my recovery…Bobby Leighton, Fr. Carlos Llagas, Nick Vera Perez, Tina Gutierrez, Ruth Juachon, Teri Cruz, Rey & Ellen Maguad, Pastor Nancy Abiera, Robert Chavez, Jane Palomar, Zeqi Guo, Chaz and Jhun Patron, Lou & Baron Cabalona, James dela Cruz, Melody Dizon and Girlie Pascual. To the ardent prayers and uplifiting phone calls from Don & Flor Kramer, Tony Labar, Jan Paul Ferrer, Les Anama, Rhodora Gutierrez, Elsie Sy-Niebar, Angie Francisco and Mariquit Divinagracia (for your special care package goodies for Veronica), Dely Villalon, Bella Doreza, Rosemarie Bacatan, Roger Odiamar, Fidel Garcia, Dr. Cesar & Mila Puray, Edith & Nestor Ardiente, Gloria Vargas, Jenita Julian, Malou Reyes Borja, Jovie Calma, Vicky Smith, Dr. Bob Boyer, Fred & Nora Tsai, Manny & Becky Belbis, Janet Guinsatao, Dr. & Mrs. Angelito Fernandez, Marilin Solomon, Christy Leighton, Drs. Manny & Remy Escalona, Nelia Guinsatao, Andee Belarmino, Connie Bohannen, Lesty Naval, Beng & Brando Mayor, Edith Amante, Au Au Palomar, Nelson Garcia, Mench Par, Jun Ortiz, Rey & Tina Nonato, Bernadeth Antiado, Nica Mendoza, Gerry Rebello & Tom Padua, Vikoy Bautista, Fidel Garcia, Angie Rosero, Nena Mondonedo Perez, . My sincere apologies if I missed anyone.

Joe inside the ambulance to take him to the Resurrection Hospital on January10th due to influenza.

Joe, confined in Resurrection’s ICU for a couple of weeks.

WELCOME BACK HOME! Joe happily poses with CPRTV video camera,showing he missed his tasks as cameraman/producer of the show.