Holy Week Refuge

"I hold the rosary and say my prayers, bead per bead. I glance at the second hand, every now and then. I have been up from 12 midnight to these wee hours. I closely watch her breathing and do my personal vigil. 

And she cries, "I want to go home...". I continue to touch her forehead and assure her of my prayers.

 Yes, she must make it through this ordeal ... until the sun rises.  Oh, by then, my Lord, has also risen ;-)"

 My family is a devout Catholic. As such, during Catholic events, like Christmas or Holy Week, "Staycation" is always the destination. As much as possible, we don't go far or indulge ourselves in any other recreational activities (not that there is anything wrong with that!) but we were raised up believing this is our solemn time for JESUS. Hence, family stays together, prays together and attends whatever church activities there would be. It is our devotion to be simple, humble, reflective and prayerful at times like this.

There would always be time to explore the beauty of life ... but Holy Week, and like the others marked in the Church Calendar, should be a sacred time of the year for GOD.

But, this year, I never thought my Holy Week would be this solemn and reflective ... in ASIAN HOSPITAL.  Since the onset of the Holy Week, my daughter, Trisha, was admitted for "almost dehydration" and week-long fever. When I signed the admission slip, I resigned myself that this will be our HOLY WEEK REFUGE.

Day by day, the waiting unfolded. Dengue was ruled out; typhoid fever was ruled out next; viral infection was closest to diagnosis ... then a certain respiratory bacteria (oh my, I never had good memory for high falutin medical terms) got her in, according to the doctor.  Now, it is her 7th day and we have been counting hours since her temperature was registered "normal". 

 

If she makes it through in the morning this way, we may finally be allowed to go home ... exactly on "Easter Sunday" --- "Ang Pasko ng Pagkabuhay".

 

And so the Holy Week passed by. No "Bisita Iglesia"; "No Washing of the Feet"; "No Blessing of Fire and Water".  But one thing did come true -- a personal communication with God.

 

A week to silently commemorate his passion as I give my daughter sponge bath ;-).  A week to thank him for the resources he continuously sends us to take care of her.  A week of family bonding and praying. 

 

Most of all, a week of renewing hope and trust in HIM.

 

You, Lord, do always touch and speak to us in varying special ways.  "This may be a blessing in disguise again" and, hence, "like your own mother, Mary, I surrender all to YOU...as always!"

 

For tomorrow, I know, we will be FINE & WELL & FREE to REJOICE ... for this is the ultimate message of your "HOLY RISEN DAY".

 

Happy Easter to All!

 

 

Rox