The Fort Pilar Miracle

I chanced upon a post by Ambeth Ocampo last week. He featured the Fort Pilar Shrine in Zamboanga City. It's a Marian shrine dedicated to Our Lady of Pillar. Before I visited it back in 2010, I heard that prayers are granted when you request for it during your visit.

Back in 2008, I caught a very bad strain of pneumonia. It was one of the hardest illnesses I faced in my life. My doctors frequently had my blood checked and one tumor marker, CA 125, was almost 3x more than normal. I remember when I got the result from a hospital, the staff member who handed me the result told me he was very sorry about the result. 

I knew the result was very serious because it's an indicator for ovarian cancer. My doctors though said it may also be because my body was still recuperating from pneumonia. While we were monitoring the issue, I kept praying and took every opportunity to visit churches known for miracles. 

Prior to my trip to Zamboanga City, I visited Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban. We attended the healing session of Fr. Joey Faller. I surprisingly had an appetite after the session. The next time my doctor checked the tumor marker, it had gone down to 2x than normal. I prayed harder for healing and I made sure to visit Fort Pilar when I got the chance to visit Zamboanga City.

After Zamboanga, I got to visit Iloilo City where I pushed to visit the Jaro Cathedral. I remember it wasn't on our itinerary and we were discouraged from going because it was being renovated at that time. We made it and I prayed again. 

Everytime I would visit a miracle church, I would always feel something in my heart. It's hard to describe, but it felt like it would beat differently like it had a charge of electricity going through it. I also always felt very calm after. By December 2010, the tumor marker was midway of the normal range. I was healed and it has not recurred. 

Believe. Have Faith. Keep praying. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

When God had Other Plans

I was scheduled for heart surgery the day after my birthday. I had given up pushing back on it since I feel I need it. I always felt though the timing isn't right.

I had a hard time recovering from my two heart surgeries 12 years ago. I had complications and felt I never went back to "normal". So, you can't blame me for being paranoid. 

I focused my time on building confidence and the will to be strong. We did tests to ensure that my body was ready. My doctor even prepared my admission.

I still had doubts, so two weeks before the scheduled surgery we decided to see my primary doctor. I was dressed and ready to brave the traffic.

Lo and behold, I missed a step and fell from the stairs. I don't even recall falling. I just found myself on the floor and my leg was in pain. Luckily, I didn't hit my head. The top half of my body was cushioned by a bag I just made. It was fluffy because it had a jacket inside.

We still made it to my appointment. We borrowed a wheelchair at the hospital. I immediately iced the areas in pain, so I was still cheerful and managed to discuss my concerns about the surgery.

My doctor listened intently and understood where I was coming from. He said it's best to iron out the issues first and said I need to recover from my fall first. He postponed the surgery and made arrangements for me to see an orthopedic doctor.

I had been praying for a reprieve. Heart surgery is no walk in the part and I know I need to be fully prepared for it. I prayed for a clear sign whether I should proceed. I'm really careful when I use the stairs and usually have Sweetie or Miggy watching me when I use it. God has other plans for me. I'm still recovering from the fall. Still bruised and I still have some pain. Doctor has ordered tests to see if anything needs to be done.

Let's also pray today for the success and safety of everyone attending the protests. I'm there with you all in spirit! 🙏 

#BeKind #StaySafe

When the Unexpected Happens

It will be my birthday in a few days. To be honest I thought the weeks leading up to it would be riddled with small get-togethers to celebrate. I don't like huge parties, so I've been working out a schedule to see friends and family in parts.

Well, the unexpected happened and I ended up in the hospital by the end of July. It spilled over to the first week of August. After discharge it took awhile to feel better and I thought I could still proceed with my plans. Nope, I made a misstep and fell from the stairs. It's been 9 days and I'm still in pain and recovery has been slow.

Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I looked at the bright side. The accident helped postpone the scheduled surgery and I won't be spending my birthday in the hospital. We also have more time to prepare. I also felt the schedule was rushed because one of the doctors was leaving the day after. 

I still won't be able to celebrate how I originally planned, but at least I can probably have a nice meal outside with my boys. I'm grateful the injury was just enough for me to bear it. 

Thank you Lord 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe