Dear SJSMers,
As Ps Calvin announced last week, I am currently on hospitalization leave from 13 Oct to 22 Nov due to a mild brush with stroke.
I was relaxing and watching TV after lunch on my day off on 12 October when the right side of my visual field suddenly became blur. At the same time I felt a headache developing on the opposite side. Sensing something amiss, Leng Leng drove me to the Emergency Dept in Changi General Hospital.
Initial tests showed an area of reduced blood flow on the left side of the brain that is responsible for vision. Defects were found in the right visual field, although no damage was found in the eyes.
I was admitted for MRI, CT angiogram, echocardiogram, Holter monitor, etc. Medication was administered to reduce the risk of recurrence of stroke.
I’m profoundly grateful for God’s hand of protection and restoration upon me:
- That the stroke happened while I was not driving, working or alone without help.
- That only my vision was affected and only for about 10 hours. I’m seeing normally now, and no other bodily functions were affected.
- That no disease/disorder has been found in my heart and blood vessels (so far).
- That I have a great team of capable clergy brothers ready to take over my duties, supported by a fantastic team of staff and lay leaders, to continue the Lord’s work while I rest and recover.
The lesson I learned from this experience is that our every breath is a gift from God because of His love for us. It is our privilege to use our life for the sake of others and for His glory, by the “surpassing power” not from us but from God alone (2 Cor 4:7).
I’m currently feeling fine, though I tire a bit more easily than before; just need to go slow a little. I’m praying that this mandated rest will draw me closer to the Lord, and reset my body, soul and spirit to continue our journey together very soon!
Thank you so much for all your kind messages and prayers. God bless you all!
Ps Tak Meng