Our Fur Baby Whom We Affectionately Named "Cookie"

 A Special Member of the Family 

It is a common misconception that dogs are just pets. A lot of individuals treat their dogs as if they were members of the family. Many individuals feel blessed to have such a loyal friend by their side, but there is more to it than meets the eye. Unconditional friendship from dogs helps people of all ages cope with life's ups and downs, from young children who struggle to make friends to the elderly who have lost a spouse or loved one.

In addition to being a member of our family, dogs play a vital function in society. For example, they assist people with disabilities and those who require aid with everyday tasks like walking or catching a bus. Spending time with dogs lowers our blood pressure and stress levels because they make us feel better about ourselves.

One of the many reasons dogs are regarded as family members is the unwavering devotion they provide.

And Then, Cookie Came...

Cookie was barely 3 months old when she came into our lives. I remember her as a little, disobedient puppy who liked to urinate and defecate anywhere. Well, she was still a puppy at the time, thus her behavior was uncontrollable. She also chewed a lot of objects around the house, including pillows, slippers, shoes, and other items. My husband potty-trained Cookie, and she gradually learned where to defecate and urinate. She unexpectedly quit chewing stuff.

Cookie’s Kidney Stones Operation and Spay Surgery

Due to the excitement of having a fur baby in the house for the first time, my husband was fond of feeding Cookie table food. Cookie appears to be a spoiled "child" and a picky eater, and whenever she refuses to eat, my husband always feeds her chicken.

In 2015, Cookie developed urinary issues, prompting my daughter to take her to a veterinary friend, who diagnosed Cookie with kidney stones. Urgent surgery was required because she was unable to urinate normally.

Despite the veterinarian's advice that Cookie not be fed table food, my husband insisted on feeding Cookie table food and chicken again. Four years later, Cookie required a second kidney stone procedure. 

And a month after her kidney stone operation, Cookie underwent spay surgery because we always noticed discharge on the floor where she usually sleeps, which the veterinarian identified as the beginning of a uterine infection that would progress to pyometra. And we were informed that spaying Cookie could also extend her lifespan.

After a series of operations, it seems as if nothing has changed; she lives a normal life and she is still the same stubborn yet lovable baby we had.

The Best Office Mate and Companion

When we woke up in the morning, I would generally start my day by walking to my computer table and getting to work. Cookie, on the other hand, will go underneath my chair and stay there for the duration of my sitting. She will patiently wait for me until I finish working. She is definitely the best and most supportive officemate and buddy I've ever had.

When I used to work in the office, she would patiently wait for me to come home at the entrance door, and when I entered the house, she would jump to me to get my attention, as if we hadn't seen each other in a very long time.

The Most Loved Breed of Dog

Here are some of the reasons why shih tzu dogs like Cookie, are the most loved breed of dogs:

1. Great companion. Shih tzus have a reputation for being excellent companion animals. This breed is family-oriented, affectionate, loyal, friendly, and protective. They make excellent guard dogs and protect their owners' homes. Due to their kind attitude and quiet disposition, Shih Tzus are generally recommended as therapy dogs.

2. Intelligent. These breeds' intelligence is not only obvious but also impressive. It has been demonstrated that these dogs are extremely trainable. Their intelligence allows them to quickly understand commands and respond positively to training. Shih Tzus show signs of intelligence from the time they are very young. If you train and teach them well, they will do what you say without question. Their minds work quickly, which makes it easier for them to understand what to do compared to other kinds of dogs.

3. Perfect with kids. There are many kinds of dogs, but the shih tzu is one of the best ones for kids to grow up with if you want them to be safe around other pets. Because they are small, they don't pose much of a threat to kids. Additionally, they are incredibly playful and joyful. Kids enjoy playing with them, and most of the time they don't even realize how attached they've become.

A Boy Holding a Shih Tzu Dog

4. Loyalty. Shih tzus are known for their extreme loyalty, which is one of the breed's prettiest characteristics. Whatever happens, they will never abandon you. Even if they are left home alone, they will wait patiently for their fur parents to come home.

5. Beautiful. A shih tzu is incredibly attractive. This puppy is just adorable! As they age, they develop into attractive adults. Therefore, if you've got this breed, you truly possess something exceptional.

Reasons Why You Need to Bring a Furry Friend Into Your Home

Dogs are remarkable animals who provide their owners nothing but love and devotion. The love of a dog is unconditional, unselfish, and forgiving, and it is always ready to protect its master. The fact that dogs can understand what people say gives man's best friend a whole new level. Dogs seem to be interested in what we say because they look up at us when we talk. Honestly, I think they can read our minds.

Companionship is something that dogs can offer. In times of solitude, the unconditional love and companionship of a dog can make all the difference. They have been shown to lessen the risk of heart disease, lower cholesterol, make individuals happier, make them feel better about themselves, help them avoid despair, make them feel less pain, and extend their lives.

Dogs love us no matter what, and they are loyal and look out for us. We feel safe, warm, and secure when we are with them. When they're around, we feel like we belong, and they help us get over a bad day.

People's moods tend to improve after interacting with dogs. When things are at their worst, you can still find solace in your dog's company. It's easy to forget the good sentiments that once existed under the heaviness of depression, anger, or other negative emotions. The joyful sound of your dog's bark can elevate your spirits and motivate you.

Dogs give us a purpose for living. There will always be challenges in life, and there will be times when it appears that everything is going wrong. The contrary is far from being true. Every day there are certainly negative incidents, but there are also millions of wonderful ones. Our dog appears on this list. They indicate that happiness is always close at hand. Even in the darkest of times, we can rest assured that they are always nearby to offer comfort.

Dogs make our life more enjoyable! Take a look at all the countless ways they brighten our days, from playing catch to cuddling in bed to simply being together. They teach us compassion, creativity, responsibility, and patience, among other things.

Dogs are good for our health. They help people get the exercise they need. Taking a dog for a walk is a good way to get in shape and burn calories. And if we take care of them, they will help us stay fit and healthy. A study shows that people who own dogs are twice as active as people who don't own dogs.

No matter what happens, a dog never surrenders. Despite the fact that a dog may not comprehend everything about the world, he/she continually endeavors to do so. Dog's perseverance teaches us to persevere and motivates us to pursue ambitious goals.

A dog is considered by many to be one of God's finest creations. Because in one day He bestowed upon them allegiance, defense, companionship, and a place to call home.

Cookie Teaches Me Life Lessons

Human tends to label people based on their looks and their status in life. But dogs do not judge anyone. Cookie did not care if we are wealthy or poor, tall or short, attractive or unattractive, nor did she actually care about any of these things. She views everyone with pure, loving eyes, and never abandons anyone. Despite her diminutive stature, she loves us unconditionally. She will do anything for us and is always concerned about our security, happiness, and love. She knows when I'm feeling down and will sit next to me till I feel better, never leaving my side.

I've learned a lot from Cookie. We've been through ups and downs together and have fought many battles. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything in the world.

Cookie is currently 10 years old, which corresponds to a human age of 62. I hate to think that she won't be with us for a very long time, but I hope and pray that God would give me enough strength to face the day when it’s time for her to cross the rainbow bridge.

Why Peace of Mind is Essential to Us

Everyone desires peace of mind, but we often don't know how to obtain it. We want to feel safe, comfortable, happy, productive, and so on, but we're not always sure if we're doing everything we can to improve our lives. What ultimately matters is how you perceive the world and what you do about it. If you believe that change is inevitable, you will learn to adapt and change with time. You will figure out how to improve yourself and your situation. On the other hand, if you believe that nothing can change, you will be disappointed. When we are depressed, confused, agitated, or concerned, we prefer to worry primarily about ourselves, which makes us miserable and less capable. So, if you're worried about anything, keep in mind that you still have time to focus on what's truly important and not waste time on trivial matters. Your time should be spent being happy and enjoying life.

How can peace of mind help people? It assists individuals in establishing a sense of safety and security for themselves, their loved ones, and their community. A person who feels safe is confident that they can endure any storm. They understand that issues will not continue forever and are able to deal with whatever arises. As long as they maintain optimism, motivation, and engagement, they will achieve success. People who are at ease and at peace understand that it is acceptable to take risks and attempt new things, even if they do not always succeed. Even if they fail, they will have gained vital knowledge. It is human nature to fear failure, yet it would be foolish to live every day in fear.

Why Do We Need Peace of Mind

1. To Take Care of Ourselves and Others. People have an innate capacity for kindness and community. When we let go of our concerns, we improve both our mental and physical health. When we have peace of mind, we are better able to take care of ourselves and the people in our lives. The hormonal disruption caused by stress makes us more vulnerable to sickness.

2. To Make Better Decisions. Under stress, our decision-making abilities decline. In times of stress, individuals are prone to make judgments that could negatively impact their future. When individuals experience less stress, they are more likely to make wise choices.

3. To Be More Productive. Having a clear mind increases our productivity. When we are not stressed, we can think clearly and concentrate on our work. We are able to do much more when there are fewer interruptions and distractions during our daily routines.

4. To Have a Healthy Lifestyle. Peace of mind is essential for leading a healthy life. We are better prepared for exercising, eating healthier meals, etc. when we are not stressed. When we are worried or apprehensive, these tasks become more difficult or perhaps impossible.

5. To Live Life Happily. Maybe you felt lonely, depressed, or enraged. You were bothered by something, but you were unsure what it was. That is typical. It is difficult to have a happy life when you have problems figuring something out. You may begin to think negatively, become gloomy, or question how you will ever resolve the issue. Your thoughts determine your experience. If you persistently worry about something, you will encounter more bad emotions and circumstances. If you can switch off your mind and enjoy the present, you will be significantly happier.

6. To Focus on What Matters Most. To attain success in any aspect of your life, you must first understand your beliefs. If you do not know what you believe, you will not know what to prioritize. Once you have identified your beliefs, you can begin to apply them to your daily routines and long-term objectives. If you choose to adhere to your principles, you will move closer to attaining your objectives.

7. To Feel Good About Yourself. It is really simple to feel terrible about yourself if you have not yet accomplished anything. People frequently lack self-confidence and self-belief because they have not achieved enough. However, if you have a more optimistic perspective, you may learn that you are more resilient than you believed!

Here are 15 Tips on How to Achieve Peace of Mind

1. Start Your Day with Meditation. Meditation is likely the best method to calm down and become more aware of your surroundings. It enables us to focus our thoughts and eliminate unfavorable environmental effects. Meditation teaches us something new about ourselves constantly. We can learn how to handle some circumstances more effectively. Meditation alters our perception of the world.

Simply relax, close your eyes, and take deep breaths. You need not consider anything; simply let go and experience everything without judgment. If you routinely practice meditation, your anxiety levels will gradually decrease.

Meditation

2. Invest Time Each Morning in Physical Activity. It's very evident that exercising is an excellent approach to maintaining a healthy body and feeling good about yourself. But did you know that physical activity not only improves your mood but also helps you control your emotions? According to research, those who exercise are better able to deal with stress than those who rarely take breaks from their demanding routines. Therefore, whether you're exercising at home or in the gym, be sure to get your daily dose of cardio!

Exercise

3. Get enough sleep. We are made to function well at night, but we are not intended to work around the clock. Sleep is essential for rest and recovery. It rejuvenates the body and allows us to engage in profound thought and problem-solving.

If you're feeling anxious and stressed, it's likely that you won't be able to sleep well. Try to avoid coffee after noon and adhere to a regular sleeping schedule of 10 hours. In addition to being incredibly restorative, sleep at night helps the brain digest information before sleep.

Get Sufficient Sleep

4. Eat healthily. When you eat right, you feel great. And when you feel well, your performance is at its peak. In addition, consuming nutritious foods will strengthen your immune system and protect you from sickness, both physically and emotionally. Start your day off correctly by consuming oatmeal with almond milk or water. Oatmeal is high in fiber. Then, incorporate fruit throughout the course of the day.

Eat Healthy Foods

5. Listen to Music. Music influences our emotions. It may raise, inspire, liberate, comfort, and lull us to sleep. During difficult circumstances, music is one of the best ways to connect with others and maintain sanity.

Listening to Music

6. Get in Touch with Nature. A stroll through a park or near a lake appears to help us relax. Nature may be calming, particularly if we spend time outdoors.

Stroll in the Park

7. Be Optimistic. This aids in the development of a positive mindset. It's easy to fixate on difficulties, fear them, and become overwhelmed by them. However, when we think positively, we recognize that there are many aspects of our lives over which we have control. We begin to appreciate what we already have when we have a positive attitude. We place less attention on what we lack and more emphasis on what we can accomplish. We believe in ourselves and our talents to succeed and achieve our objectives.

Always Think Positive Thoughts

8. A Peaceful Environment. Maintaining a positive disposition and state of mind requires a tranquil atmosphere. If you are anxious at home, you are likely to feel horrible about your status outside the home. Ensure that your home is clean and well-organized and that you have items that soothe you, such as music, art, books, or hobbies. If you do not take the time to enjoy them, they will not aid in relaxation. And without any positive habits, you will begin to think badly. If you are not happy on the inside, having a fantastic profession, a loving family, and lovely surroundings is useless.

A Clean and Organized Home

9. Avoid Worrying About Anything. If you fret, you end up fretting more. You may not be aware of the extent of your anxiety, yet it is undeniable. Instead of focusing on what went well, worrying entails becoming consumed with what could go wrong. When you're anxious about anything, your brain works overtime to come up with possible failure scenarios. However, if you quit worrying, your body will automatically calm down and your outlook will improve. 

Stop Worrying

10. Keep Busy. When you're anxious, you can't think clearly. In actuality, concern increases your anxiety, which drives you to become more and more preoccupied with the issue, which in turn increases your anxiety, and so on. By selecting work that distracts you from your concerns, you are assisting yourself in dealing with the problems you are facing. Simply engaging in another activity will allow your brain to calm down and relax. If you can stop worrying about a problem, finding a solution will be easy.

Keep Yourself Busy

11. Find Solutions. We have a tendency to believe that issues exist independently of us, but in reality, we create them. We make decisions, and we can choose to embrace or escape their repercussions. Thus, we can impact our outcomes by altering our reactions and actions. If we wish to improve our circumstances, we must first choose what we want to change and then devise a strategy to do it. Our brains are potent tools with which we can influence the future to match our desires.

Don't Dwell on Your Problems. Find Alternative Solutions Instead

12. Take Good Care of Yourself. When you're under stress, you lose perspective. You can have everything in the world and still be unfulfilled. You can have the ideal relationship and still experience loneliness. We make life so difficult by demanding perfection from others and ourselves, which is unachievable. Be cognizant of what you put into your body. Ensure that you consume well-balanced meals, drink lots of water, and get sufficient rest. These simple techniques can have a profound effect on how you feel about yourself and will assist you in overcoming stress.

Taking Care of Yourself

13. Go on a vacation. Taking time away from your daily routine can provide you with the needed break from stressful conditions. Many individuals believe that taking days off is counterproductive and can make you feel much worse. Relaxing for more than a few hours, on the other hand, can bring relief from worry and tension. When you return home, you may feel revitalized and ready to face whatever challenges await you.

Take A Break

14. Spend Quality Time with Friends and Family. Maintaining friendships is key to achieving personal fulfillment. Spending time with close friends and family members grounds and stabilizes us. You should make an effort to spend time with people who care about you. Avoid isolating yourself, especially when you're in need of emotional support.

Spend Time with Family and Friends

15. Be appreciative. Gratitude is quite valuable. Create a daily list of three things for which you are grateful. By choosing something basic, you will be able to concentrate on the positive elements of life rather than obsessing on the negative.

Always Be Thankful

In today's fast-paced world, people are constantly searching for methods to rest and unwind. People desire happiness, tranquility, and the enjoyment of life's finer things. If you have been wondering how to get peace of mind without spending money, try some of the suggestions or ideas above.

Putting God First at the Center of Our Lives

God says that He made us to be happy. To be complete. To experience fulfillment. To be filled with joy and peace. That is why I believe peace of mind is essential. We're missing out if we don't have it! You see, I believe God gave us free will; the ability to choose. He did, however, want us to use that authority properly. Our decision to live peacefully simply means that we have chosen to prioritize God. And perhaps, if we start putting Him first, we'll get the rest that comes with it.

Our Children's Health Issues: Embracing Life's Challenges and Adversities

Unconditional Love and Happiness

Children enter the world with a natural inclination towards positivity, teaching us the essence of leading joyful lives throughout childhood. Their presence imparts a valuable lesson: regardless of life's challenges, we should always strive to give our best in all endeavors. Even if they may be unaware of the impact they have on others, children radiate an unwavering love for those around them. Their concern is solely for the happiness of others, without any consideration for their own uniqueness.

With the birth of our children, Angelene and Aldrine, we were privileged to experience unconditional love—a potent emotion that no amount of wealth could ever purchase. This pure, unfiltered sentiment filled our hearts with joy and satisfaction, creating a profound memory that is challenging to articulate but will forever remain etched in our hearts.

Papa and Angelene

Papa and Aldrine

Indeed, children have a remarkable ability to illuminate everything around them. Their smiles possess the power to brighten even the darkest days. Spending time with our children is a source of immense joy, witnessing their enthusiasm as they eagerly jump out of bed or engage in playful games like hide-and-seek. Their endearing antics and humorous expressions never fail to bring laughter into our lives. Through their laughter, children gently remind us to find joy in the simplest moments and to pause occasionally to appreciate life's beauty, much like stopping to smell the roses.

Angelene and Aldrine

Angelene and Aldrine

The Beginning of Aldrine’s Ordeal

When Angelene and Aldrine were still young, we noticed a marked difference in their susceptibility to sickness. Aldrine faced health challenges early on, undergoing hernia surgery at just three months old. Despite this, as months passed, it became evident that his motor skills weren't progressing as expected. Unlike other toddlers his age, he didn't attempt to walk or crawl. Despite appearing bright and lively, Aldrine spent his days contentedly lying on his back in his crib, causing us concern. Thankfully, daily massages from my mother played a crucial role, helping him to walk independently before he turned two. Learning to walk was a gradual process for him.

Furthermore, we observed that Aldrine seemed entirely unaffected by various noises while sleeping, such as loud conversations, music, or dropped objects. To rule out potential hearing difficulties, we sought evaluation from an otolaryngologist. The diagnosis revealed sensorineural hearing loss, rendering Aldrine unable to hear and speak.

Rubella, The Primary Cause of Aldrine's Disability

To the best of my recollection, I contracted rubella, also known as German measles, during my first trimester of pregnancy. Experts warn that acquiring rubella during pregnancy can lead to abnormalities or deformities in the unborn child. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/rubella/pregnancy.html) I had no indication I was pregnant with Aldrine because of my irregular menstrual cycle, which can be up to five months delayed. I could no longer recall if I was given a strong medication to treat my measles when I went to the doctor. As a direct consequence of my unawareness regarding my pregnancy, Aldrine was born deaf and mute. 

Aldrine’s Asthma Attacks

During his time as a student at the Philippine School for the Deaf and Blind in Pasay City, Aldrine exhibited persistent coughing and seemed fatigued daily. Despite the administration of cough medicine, his condition did not improve. Suspecting that the early wake-up times and daily travel to Manila were contributing to his declining health, we decided to transfer him to Ladislao Diwa Elementary School SPED in Caridad, Cavite City. This new school was conveniently located near our former residence.

As Aldrine's cough intensified, I sought the opinion of a different pediatrician who diagnosed him with asthma. Aldrine had been grappling with asthma episodes for several years. The persistent coughing and breathing difficulties took a toll on him, causing weight loss and disrupting his sleep at night. In addition to budesonide and various medications, he relied on a nebulizer for relief. There was a critical point where we feared for his life due to the severity of his asthma attack. During this challenging time, he shared his concerns, referencing a child he had seen on television who had succumbed to asthma. He asked if he, too, would meet a similar fate, and, reassuringly, we responded with a resounding "No!"

Remarkably, as he entered adolescence, Aldrine overcame his struggles with asthma and regained his health.

Aldrine’s Unhealthy Diet

Owing to our demanding work schedules during the week, we usually provided Aldrine with money to buy food from fast-food restaurants or convenience stores, as I could only prepare healthy meals on weekends. Despite this, we permitted him to indulge in cholesterol-rich "balut" every night. Given that Aldrine was often home alone, and we frequently returned late at night, it was challenging to monitor or supervise his diet and food choices. Upon our arrival home, he consistently claimed to have already had dinner.

Balut
Due Credit to Marshall Astor from San Pedro, United States - Inside a Balut - Embryo and Yolk, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8008863

Additionally, as per his sister's observation, Aldrine has a habit of staying up late into the night and rising early in the morning for school. Upon learning about this, we cautioned him about the potential health risks associated with inadequate sleep. Despite our warnings, he seems indifferent and unresponsive to the importance of proper rest.

Aldrine’s Stroke Attack

As I prepared for work early one morning, Aldrine rose from his bed and suddenly collapsed. Despite his weight, I managed to prevent him from hitting his head on the computer table in the room. We assisted him back to his bed as he seemed extremely weak, and unable to walk on his own. Initially, I thought his dizziness was a result of sleep deprivation, but he informed us that half of his body, particularly the right side, felt numb.

My husband, foregoing work that day, took Aldrine to the nearest hospital. However, he was dissatisfied with the initial evaluation by the neurologist, who suggested a substantial financial commitment to our son's treatment and recovery. Rather than engaging in an argument, my husband decided to seek a second opinion. How could the doctor make such assertions without conducting any tests on our son? It seemed absurd.

That night, noticing the sagging and stiffening of the right side of Aldrine's face, we opted for a second opinion from a neurologist in Manila, recommended by a high school classmate.

Aldrine's right side of his face drooped and stiffened. This photo was taken right after he had a stroke.

Aldrine gets massage therapy from our grandma after complaining that he felt numbness in his right arm.

Bell’s Palsy Ruled Out

Dr. Carissa Paz Dioquino, a neurologist associated with St. Luke's Medical Center and Manila Doctor's Hospital, conducted a thorough examination of Aldrine. She prescribed the initial medications needed and recommended further diagnostic tests, including an MRI, CT scan, and additional blood tests for Aldrine.

Upon the release of his MRI results, Dr. Dioquino urgently conveyed to us that Aldrine needed immediate hospitalization. The cause was identified as a blockage in a minute vein, leading to a stroke. This wasn't a mere case of facial paralysis or "Bell's Palsy"; it was a severe medical condition necessitating emergency attention and hospitalization. The reality that my 19-year-old son was diagnosed with a stroke was difficult to comprehend, and it felt as if everything in our world was unraveling.

Following over a week of hospitalization, during which numerous tests and treatments were administered, Aldrine was discharged. He was recommended to undergo continued physiotherapy to address his facial paralysis.

Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Face

Facial Physiotherapy at Manila Doctor's Hospital

Aldrine’s Health Status

Since 2016, Aldrine has consistently taken his maintenance medications. Amidst the ongoing transmission of COVID-19, Dr. Dioquino conducts telemedicine checkups for Aldrine.

Maintaining a healthy mindset, he has refrained from overindulging. He has conveyed his commitment to avoiding illness by conscientiously monitoring his daily food intake and adhering to a well-regulated diet.

Victim of Bullying

Aldrine reached a point where he decided to discontinue attending school due to the persistent bullying he endured. At his high school, students with impairments, including him, were integrated with those without disabilities. Regrettably, he experienced bullying from both his non-disabled classmates and those who were deaf and mute. Despite undergoing therapy, the visible effects on his face remained, leading him to anticipate further bullying from his peers.

He chose not to share the bullying issue with us earlier, recognizing our busy and exhausting work schedules. It was only during his hospitalization that he began opening up about the extent of the bullying he had faced.

As a result of these experiences, Aldrine became socially and emotionally isolated, grappling with negative emotions such as rage, fear, and despair. Coping with stressful situations became challenging for him. The lingering impact of school bullying may have contributed to his excessive stress and restless nights, potentially playing a role in his stroke. Additionally, the departure of his sister for Dubai, U.A.E., might have intensified feelings of extreme sadness for Aldrine.

The Diagnosis of Angelene's Crohn's Disease in Dubai

On February 10, 2016, our daughter, Angelene, embarked on a journey to Dubai to explore opportunities abroad. Initially facing challenges in securing a stable job, she persevered, and after a year in Dubai, she successfully obtained employment at a hospital.

Despite her newfound stability, Angelene encountered a hurdle when she experienced severe stomach pains. Promptly seeking a checkup and tests at the hospital where she worked, she received the unsettling diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. In an effort to confirm or rule out the diagnosis, her doctors recommended seeking a second opinion from a different hospital. Following their advice, she pursued the second diagnostic, which unfortunately concurred with the initial diagnosis of Crohn's disease.

Upon receiving the distressing news from Angelene, I promptly delved into research on Crohn's disease online. Based on the studies and information I gathered, the incidence rates of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in the Philippines are 0.07 and 0.09 per 100,000 person years, respectively.

Crohn's disease cases are exceptionally rare in the Philippines. I came across a video featuring a Filipino female patient who had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. Despite being a health-conscious eater with no vices, she expressed shock upon learning about her condition and remained uncertain about its origin. The journey of her diagnosis and subsequent treatment, including hospitalization and medications for a few months, incurred costs in the millions of pesos.

Regrettably, there is currently no cure for Crohn's disease, and the available treatment options primarily aim to manage symptoms and sustain the individual's quality of life. Symptoms have the potential to flare up at any point throughout one's life. (Source:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323072#treatment-options)

Angelene's Colon Polyp Surgery, Pneumonia, and COVID-19

The same year Angelene received her diagnosis of Crohn's disease, she underwent surgery to address colon polyps. As parents, it was truly disheartening to acknowledge that we couldn't be there for her during the times when she needed us most.

Our trials appeared relentless, and approximately a year ago, Angelene faced hospitalization due to pneumonia. The news was alarming, considering the potential severity of pneumonia as a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, she was blessed with the support of many Filipino friends who took the time to visit her in the hospital, providing essential items such as food and clothing.

Following her recovery from pneumonia, Angelene was subsequently diagnosed with and admitted to the hospital twice for COVID-19.

Angelene’s Recent Condition

Despite Angelene's repeated assurances that she and her doctors are diligently monitoring her Crohn's Disease, it's challenging to maintain composure and remain calm. Her frequent complaints of stomach aches, discomfort, unexplained fatigue, and alarming symptoms such as blood in her stool raise concerns about the potential deterioration of her health.

Even though we desire for Angelene to return home, she insists on staying in Dubai. Her rationale is that her health insurance covers a significant portion of the associated costs, and any extra charges are minimal, roughly a hundred pesos in our currency. In contrast, medical examinations, tests, and hospitalization in the Philippines can be considerably more expensive.

Despite our physical distance, we support Angelene's decision to stay in Dubai, confident that she will receive prompt and comprehensive medical assistance there.

Is God To Be Blamed For All The Challenges And Trials We’re Going Through?

We recognize the immense challenge that parents face in grappling with the question of how a loving God could permit tragedies, especially when a family member is critically ill or passes away. The revelation of serious illnesses in your children can shatter your world and leave you questioning, even if you understand that God is always faithful. Despite this understanding, moments of discouragement can creep in. There have been times when I've questioned God, wondering if I'm meant to endure the most hardships, asking why my children have to go through such trials instead of me, pondering the causes of their suffering, and contemplating the reason for my own profound pain.

However, I am cautious not to place blame on God for the challenges we face. In the midst of hardships, God has bestowed unexpected blessings that I never prayed for. Furthermore, I firmly believe that God does not desire anyone to suffer needlessly. The undeniable evidence of His great love for us lies in the sacrifice of His Son for our salvation. While the crucifixion was a brutal form of execution, God gave up His only Son so that we, His children, could attain eternal life in heaven. His intention is not for anyone to lead a miserable life, but rather for all to enter paradise and spend eternity with Him.

Hope, Faith, and Prayers

I choose to embrace the positive aspects during challenging times. The introduction of hope transforms everything, serving as the fuel that propels us forward despite encountering obstacles. Life is not devoid of troubles, but with hope and a positive mindset, we can alter our perspective and overcome any challenge that comes our way.

Faith, on the other hand, is the confidence we place in God and His plan for our lives, even when the future remains uncertain. By entrusting God with control over our lives, we find comfort and tranquility amidst the obstacles we face. Our faith empowers us to confront challenges and sustains us throughout our journey.

Reflecting on Matthew 17:20 (NIV), the verse comes to mind: "He replied, 'Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'"

God holds the answers to every problem we encounter because He has navigated these paths before. Having witnessed everything, He understands precisely what we're experiencing. While we may feel disheartened by our circumstances, it's crucial to allow Him to guide us through them, knowing that He will never leave or forsake us. God's unwavering love remains constant, and despite the challenges that may seem overwhelming now, He assures us that He will always be there, never ceasing to love us.

When you feel like you've exhausted all your resources, turn to prayer, for there is something greater than both you and me — and that is God!

Our Family