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BY RHODA GARZON-CAMPILLAN
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Thursday, February 23, 2017
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THIS IS the first time my daughter is confined in a hospital. I am very grateful because she successfully surpassed the IV insertion, CBC needle pricking, and skin testing. All those procedures involved needles.
Kids her age are very scared of needles or any sharp objects, aren’t they? They will cry like a river and throw tantrums to avoid this ordeal.
My little sunshine is very brave. She cried at first because of the fear of the unknown (she has not experienced things like these before). However, in the end she realized it was not bad after all.
As a mother, given the chance to trade places with her, I am more than willing to do so. I want to spare her from all the traumas. I am just grateful that the nurses and doctors in the hospital where she was confined were all gentle and tried their best to make things easy and comfortable for my child.
While in the hospital, a lot of realizations dawned on me. The thoughts I have may be similar to those who have been in a similar circumstance. In my column today, I am going to share my thoughts.
First, health is truly your wealth. It pays to be healthy. You spend a lot if you get sick. Hence, we must always check the food we eat, the activities that we do, and the lifestyle we live.
I must admit I love softdrinks. With what happened to my child, I am now thinking to switch to water. Water is healthier and it has no sugar.
Second, inform your doctor right away if any member of the family is not feeling well. We are fond of self- treatment, aren’t we? We often think that going to the doctor will cost us a lot. All we need is a little rest and voila, everything is back to normal.
I must say, these thoughts are scary. Do not wait for something worse to happen before you act. There are a lot of cases I’ve heard and read about parents downplaying the health condition of their child. “Gamay lang na nga hilanat” or “Simple lang na nga sip-on or ubo.” Yes, indeed but what we see is just the surface; we really do not know what is happening inside the body. It is better to bring our loved ones immediately to the doctor if we feel something is not right.
Third, support system helps a lot. This is an understatement. You really need a whole bunch of cheerleaders to strengthen you in these trying times. In my case, my family is very supportive. I feel like everything is light and easy. If you are all alone experiencing all of these drama and pain, perhaps you will not last a day. In moments like these you need a strong support system.
I am very lucky to have a loving family and thoughtful friends and students. Aside from prayers, they really show they care for me and my daughter by sending fruits and visiting. It makes the burden lighter and the anxieties go away.
Fourth, savings is a must. I don’t believe that I need to save in order to have money to pay just in case I get sick because in the first place, I don’t want to get sick. I want to save in order to enjoy life. However, I realize that emergency fund is really needed in times like these.
Honestly, I do not have an emergency fund. I rely on the Philippine Health Insurance package that I will be able to avail myself; that is why I need to review my options where to get money in moments like these. Hence, I encourage everyone to save for an emergency fund.
Fifth, the hospital seems like a new dimension. Let me qualify this realization. When you are inside the hospital, it seems like you have your own world there. You have no idea what is happening outside the walls of the health institution. For me, it seems like you are in another city where majority of the leaders wear white, the rooms are occupied by tenants, the gates are heavily guarded, food is divided equally, and citizens live by governing laws.
Every tenant of the room has a story to tell. Some leave their rented rooms happy, some don’t. For me the hospital environment is pretty much like a community where everyone hopes to live in joy and contentment.
My three days in the hospital with my daughter was one experience I will never forget. It may not be a pleasing situation but I am grateful because I was given the chance to contemplate. It made me appreciate the beauty of life and gift of family and friends./PN
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