Touched by God's Grace

I would like to take a glimpse on the day I became a first time Mom. My world stopped. I got so focused on the baby and on how I could raise her well.  The whole family was practically involved in my quest. At an early age ( at 1.8 year old) , we were able to send her to school.  I was excited   for her every achievement, every little learning means a lot to me. 

My beautiful daughter Lexia

In September 2008, God gave us this test. My daughter Lexia was diagnosed of Kawasaki illness. This dreadful disease was a shock  to the family. We never knew how or where she got it. The bill was huge as the medicines for this illness was also expensive. Thank God for His healing and for the financial provision. I will  be forever grateful to my UCPB family for the financial help. I thank Teng de Mendoza for the initiative to drive the help campaign.

Lexia was a fighter. Our first few days in the hospital were full of uncertainties. The doctors  at first were suspecting it was a severe form of allergies. Then on the  sixth day after thorough tests  from both the infectious diseases specialist and the cardiologist the diagnosis was Kawasaki. Never in my wildest imagination that our daughter would be infected by this dreadful disease.

What is Kawasaki? "Kawasaki disease (KD), also known as Kawasaki syndrome, lymph node syndrome and mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, is an autoimmune disease in which the medium-sized blood vessels throughout the body become inflamed. It is largely seen in children under five years of age. It affects many organ systems, mainly those including the blood vessels, skin, mucous membranes, and lymph nodes; however its rare but most serious effect is on the heart where it can cause fatal coronary artery aneurysms in untreated children. Without treatment, mortality may approach 1%, usually within six weeks of onset. With treatment, the mortality rate is less than 0.01% in the U.S. There is often a pre-existing viral infection that may play a role in its pathogenesis. The conjunctivae and oral mucosa, along with the epidermis (skin), become erythematous (red and inflamed). Edema is often seen in the hands and feet. One or more cervical lymph nodes are often enlarged. Also, a recurrent fever, often 37.78°C (100°F) or higher, is characteristic of the acute phase of the disease.  In untreated children, the febrile period lasts on average approximately 10 days, but may range from five to 25 days. The disorder was first described in 1967 by Tomisaku Kawasaki in Japan." Source: WIKIPEDIA.

Lexia’s Dad would always carry her in his arms  all  through- out this ordeal. I would now understand why He loved her so much.

Going through this battle was so difficult. I had to hide my tears and cried out loud in the comfort room of the hospital room.  I want to appear strong for Lexia and for the whole family even if inside I felt so broken.

Now I look back to that page with tears of Joy. I pray that God will just continue to cover her with His most precious blood and that she be totally free from any illnesses.  She has been a very good child, so prayerful. She’s my constant reminder on  how important a prayer is. She is really an angel.

Upward Gaze:

God I thank you for this privilege of being parents  and for being able to wrap our kids in our arms.