The Girls and Their Sick Opa

Their grandfather is sick.
He was in the hospital.

The kids visited them there. A series of strokes left him bedridden.
We tried to prepare the kids. We already told them that the Opa is sick.
Opa is thinner. Opa needs help. Opa is not so strong anymore.

When they arrived at the hospital, they both greeted the Opa. And then 8-year-old MC just looked at him and stayed a distance. Six-year-old IC watched closely. Both of them tried to help -- calling the attention of the nurses, giving Opa tissue papers, combing Opa's hair, offering him food, and with some prompting -- held Opa's hands.

After that visit, the kids were quiet on our drive home.
Why is it that Opa's like a child? Covering his head with his blanket?

Where would Opa be if the Oma is already inside? Would he be on top?

Lots of questions. Some have answers, some don't. Just remember, girls, the Opa loves you.

Happy Birthday, Little Sister!

Oops, I know, you are not little anymore.
You are already in your early 30s.
And you are also bigger than me now :-D

But for me, you are still my little sister.
The one with the killer eyes. And I mean literally and figuratively.
I remember that even our father would figure out in fights just because you threw someone your killer stare and made them uncomfortable.

I would remember you as the one always in the middle of arguments. I remember that with five siblings -- you are the only one that brought our parents to the school guidance counsellor; not only once but how many times. I remember that one time, you brought the whole family in tears just because... and you brought people in tears just because...

But despite all those misunderstandings, I would like to call them now; we managed, and you managed yourself good (despite jumping into different universities and changing your courses).

I didnt know that you would follow my steps -- going into writing and the love of words. I didnt know you had it into you to be the president of the university's student council! I didnt know a lot about you, but now, I am glad I am knowing more about you.

Imagine, more than 30 years of being sisters and I am just starting to get to know you. And I am enjoying knowing about you, as my girls are enjoying knowing you.

Distance doesnt matter, little sister.
You are remembered with pride and joy and much love on your special day.

Happy Birthday, Anna.

P.S. The girls want lumpiang shanghai be delivered to us as according to them, you are sure to have them on your birthday!

Dear hospital staff...

Dear doctors, nurses, caregivers and other  hospital staff;

I know you are all busy.
The hospital is understaffed.
You are all overworked. Stressed.
You have also your own problems.
We understand that and all others.

Please understand us, too.
We dont want our loved ones to be in the hospital but because they need extra medical attention, we left them to your capable hands.

When you come in the room... we would appreciate it, really...
How about a smile?
How about talking to our loved one, asking him what he needs, what hurts -- and trying to disguise the urgency in your voice?
How about letting him feel human by touching him, through eye contacts?
How about some nice words when you pass by?

The tender loving care, the love, we are always ready to give; but sometimes we need a little help from you out there, too.
Thank you very much.