Bert's Colleague

Dear All

For many of us, this National Day weekend is a wonderful long weekend. Some may be partying, some may be shopping...for us, we had decided to keep it simple and rented DVDs and just stayed home.

During this financial crisis and H1N1 situation, we must thank the Lord for all the wonderful things He has given us instead of grousing and complaining.

Bert's colleague, who is just 29 years and planning to get married next year, is now lying in ICU fighting for her life. She is a victim of H1N1.

She's a slim and healthy lady who had just completed a marathon. No underlying ailment whatsoever. Yet another colleague recovered from the virus, but she's in critical condition. She just had 3 heart ops and the docs had decided not to sew up the opening just in case they have to go in again. And it all started out with a flu. She saw the GP who diagnosed it as H1N1. As her symtoms were mild then, she was given 7 days MC to stay home. She was supposed to be back to work tomorrow, Tues. Her lungs are also filled with fluid.

I am worried for her and pray for her and her loved ones. I am worried too about this virus. Why? At first it's because those who are asthematic are at risk and Feli is asthematic. Now I'm worried as, at least to me, the virus seemed to have mutated somewhat...it's attacking even those who are apparently healthy and young.

Hopefully, researchers would find an effective vaccine for this virus soon.

The good point that came from deciding not to go out this long weekend was, we finally got to watch the movie Fireproof. I saw it 2x, once with Bert and the second time with Feli. I even cried on the second watching. It's truly and beautiful and touching story. I realised from the show now more clearly the LC question and Bert posed last month. How do we see the crucifix in our married life?

To me, it's to love Bert even if he doesn't respond back. It is to give and never expect to receive.

This would be particularly so when one of us gets senile or ill or in such a state that there's no response. It is to live our wedding vows, with the grace and strength of the Lord, to love our spouse even if we hurt inside. That's the way the Lord wants us to be because that's the true meaning of love.

Love Theresa