Ondoy did not make me cry... but this one did...
Dearest Joaquin,
Papa gave you milk at 5:00am before he went to his rowing practice. I was smiling at how Papa prepared your milk with ease. I went back to sleep knowing that I have a full day just to be with you.
At 5:30am, I awoke to the sound of your coughing and gagging. I immediately pulled you up to a sitting position while you threw up all that 11oz. of milk. I was alarmed, since this has never happened to you before. I made up excuses in my mind that may be you just, as we Filipinos say it "nasamid". I hugged and lulled you back to sleep, reassuring you that everything will be fine.
I was wrong anak.
At 7:30am you threw up again, and again at 8:15, at 9:00am, and again and again. I brought you to the pediatrician, where she asked what have you eaten, and the usual questions. We went home with prescription and a strict command of drinking fluids. As soon as we got home, your diarrhea started. Papa and I looked at each other, and without hesitation, decided to rush you to the hospital. My fear almost went to the roof when you started writhing in pain. You kept on saying "Mama sakit tummy ko. Mama sakit tummy ko. Mama sakit tummy ko". I felt so helpless anak, I wanted to take away your pain. Ako na lang magkasakit, wag lang ikaw.
At the ER you didn't want to let go of Mama. Mama carried you all throughout while the resident doctors asked the usual questions. You diarrhea and pain were at it's peak. We had to change you six times in a span of 30 minutes. Doctors made you drink ORS but to no avail. You were so weak that Mama just want to throttle the doctor to just shut up and give you IV fluid. They gave Papa the admission notice, but alas, there were no rooms available! We had to wait for 3 hours before we were given one.
We were given a room that was not our choice, but sige lang anak, as long as you are comfortable. Mama has never seen your eyes this sad. You were so tired anak from all the crying and the diarrhea that you slept soundly, or so Mama thought. Around 10:00pm a nurse came in to extract blood from you. Mama was so upset that I wanted to throw him out of the room. Mama warned him that you'll be violent once provoked, he just smiled and went on to prick your finger. You sensed my frustration anak, and you accidentally kicked the nurse right smack on the chest. Mama looked at him and said, "I told you so." You cried for a good thirty minutes anak, Mama hugged you tight until you fell asleep again. And this time, no one will disturb you.
You were feeling better the next day anak, still with diarrhea, but better. Lola brought you your favorite fried chicken. It was kinda oily, but as long as you're eating anak, then I guess it's ok. We watched TV and you told me hundreds of stories, of which 30% ws incomprehensible, but still I loved every moment spent with you. You were always smiling and jumping about when Papa came in with pasalubongs. Papa wanted to stay in the hospital as well, but his heart can't stand to see you pain. We watched TV and you told me hundreds of stories, of which 30% was incomprehensible, but still I loved every moment spent with you.
Night came the 2nd day, then it happened anak. Mama started vomitting every 30 minutes. Diarrhea came in two hours later. Fever came in an hour later. And on top of it anak, Mama got her monthly visitor, combined with intense lower abdominal pain. You cried whenever Mama went left your side and went to the bathroom. You wanted Mama to stay right beside you 24/7, which I did anak. When Papa already left and you doze to a light sleep, Mama locked herself in the restroom and cried. Mama cried because of the unfortunate events that befell us, and because Mama felt so helpless. But it never crossed my mind to leave you to Papa or to Lola and to just go home and rest. Mama drank a couple of medicines and prayed that it will take effect. You slept rather restless anak, so Mama had to watch you, or else you'll entwine yourself with the IV line.
We were given the clearance on the 4th day anak. Yes! Finally I can bring you home. And after all this has happened, I can assure you one thing anak... For you, I'll do anything.
