What a week, what a week!

It's not that I have stopped blogging. The past week had been a nightmare for my missus and me. Too tired and drained to blog or even play World of Warcraft.

Our lovely daughter, Rachel, was admitted to hospital A&E twice. First was on 8 - 10 Aug with viral fever and , the other on 11 Aug with mild pneumonia (caused by the viral fever).

8 Aug
The first happened kind of a sudden. Rachel was well for the whole day and we had just come back from dinner at around 9pm. Rachel mentioned that she suddenly felt cold.

In the next 5 mins, she had a temperature of 38.5C. Within the next 5-10mins, the fever shot to 40.7C. Her fingers and lips were turning bluish, and her skin became fairly mottled, especially on her hands. We tried to rushed her to the hospital but during the trip to the car, she started convulsing in my arms.

I freaked out! My wife was screaming and shouting her name. Rachel's eyes rolled back and she was shaking uncontrollably.

I was screaming Jesus, God, Rachel, 911, Police, Ambulance, Help... whatever 'words' that sprung to mind. She was losing consciousness. God, I was hysterical! The thought of losing her gripped my heart. You can't imagine the choking feeling of despair and the sense of helplessness. Though she came around after 5 mins, she had that blank look on her face.

I drove like a madman, hitting 120-130km/h on a normal Singapore road and arrived at the A&E in 10 mins (I live pretty near the hospital). The doctor diagnosed the seizures as febrile convulsions. After calming down and reading the medical article provided, we were assured that the convulsions were not harmful to her nor did it cause any brain damage.

Made me think life can be so unpredictable and vulnerable. I felt so helpless when she was shaking in my arms. What can I do? Without God, I would never have the peace that He is in control of every situation. What is money when you don't have the health to enjoy it? So says Ecclesiastes 5:19-20
"19 Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. 20 He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart."

11 Aug
Her fever returned on Fri night, hitting a high of 40.1C. We took no chances and drove straight to the hospital. After a blood test and x-ray, she was diagnosed to have early pneumonia, probably the virus had infected her lungs. She was given anti-biotics and sent home. Rachel still had fever of 39+C and she had difficulty sleeping - laboured breathing sound and phelgmy cough.

We prayed. We worshipped. We gave thanks for all that the Lord had done for this family. As the head of the household, I claimed His word to be true. Jesus is faithful. His name is Jehovah Raphe, my daughter's healer.

Then there was this awesome presence of the Lord in the room. My left hand was on her forehead and the right was on her chest while praying. I felt power going forth from me into her. Power to heal. Images of Jesus at the well with the Samaritan woman came to mind - "...whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst". Cool, refreshing water to soothe the fever. I was also reminded of the bronze serpent that was raised in the desert. Whomsoever looked at the snake on the pole (symbolic meaning of Christ on the cross lifted bearing our sins) shall live.

The fever immediately broke! Rachel started to perspire and her breathing became easier. She slept peacefully too. The sense of comfort and triumphant joy washed over me.

Today, Rachel is recovering very well. In fact, just this morning, she went cycling for a bit of fresh air. She is looking radiant and her bubbly, chittering and joyful self is returning.

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However there are some things that I need to get off my chest.

Apparently she had caught the virus from the childcare centre. And why wouldn't she? Some inconsiderate parents had been sending their sickly kids to the childcare. Reason? So that they won't have to waste a day's leave or two to care for them at home. To make matters worse, the childcare centre is fully air-conditioned. All it takes is for a kid to sneeze and the whole world will enjoy his aerosol... and air-borne viruses.

Thanks to you that Rachel's mum had to take at least 1 month of NO-FRIGGIN'-PAY leave to look after Rachel. Missus said she had noticed on numerous occasions some kids with coughs and runny noses attending the childcare centre.

To those culprits: #$%* $#*!!!! Yeah, I ain't finished. %$#&*(*&^#$@!!!

Pisses me off when people selfishly inconvenience others at the expense of my family, time and money.

Reminds me of the incident when there were a number of SARS cases in Singapore. The government, trying hard to control the virus, issued a form for school children to declare if they had gone to countries infected with SARS during the school holidays. What did the d*ckheads of the parents do? Told their kids to lie in the form.

Classic. I'm just speechless.

PS. I have already taken Rachel out of the childcare centre. Darn, she really enjoyed the interaction and teaching there. She was learning so well, her teacher said. Thanks to you, bloody inconsiderate morons!