When My Brother Suffered Aneurysm, Stroke and Went into a Coma...

07 August 2013. I received an FB message "Are you sister (brother's name) pls. He's critical condition at general hospital at San Francisco." Our friend in San Mateo confirmed the message. My "Ahia" (Hokkien term for "big brother") suffered a massive stroke. Ruptured vein in the brainstem. He had brain surgery and was in a coma at SFGH. I posted a prayer request on my FB timeline:

• Faith updated her status.
  Please pray for my brother (brother's name). Got advice that he is now in SF General Hospital. He suffered a massive stroke...

08 August 2013. Doctor in San Francisco called. 97% of such medical cases will die in the first 30 days. If he will live, he will be in a vegetative state. I was given two options: removal of life support to allow my brother to die peacefully or surgical procedures for tracheostomy tube and surgical feeding tube. I did not agree. I presented a third option: use of a nutritional supplement in the next 25 days. The doctor did not allow it.

9 August 2013. I wrote authorization letter below. Had it notarized and sent it via email. Ordered 2 cans nutritional supplement for second day shipment to San Francisco. My brother's blood pressure was dropping and temperature was high. 

10 August 2013. I met a nutritional recovery protocol specialist at a Makati event. I told him about my brother being in a coma due to stroke. He recommended 4 nutritional supplements which I added to the second batch of nutritional products for my brother's use.
11 August 2013. I requested prayer for my brother in the visitor's lounge of CCF after church service. We prayed for God's will on my brother's life. 

13 August 2013. I received first email below from doctor with time of 4:05 am.

"Dangerously high body temperature" "Catastrophic and fatal brainstem injury"  "fatal hemorrhage". And nutritional supplement was not allowed for his use. An FB post kept my faith in God.

Psalm 27:14 Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.

I reposted message with the following message while writing the authorization letter. 

Yes... This comforts me as I write a letter of request to the San Francisco General Hospital to allow nutrition to be administered through the NGT to help my brother recover from coma. I would like to request your prayers that a miracle be possible even if the doctor classified the condition as fatal. My mother has been advised already.

Another FB post gave a promise! Amen!

A second email from the doctor with time 5:23 AM reads...

God worked through a pharmacist who allowed use of nutritional supplement on my brother! One scoop every 2 hours was administered for the first 24 hours. From Day 2-9, one scoop every 4 hours.  He finished 2 cans in 9 days.
Glasgow Coma Scale was initially advised at 2+T. My aunt, a trained medical doctor and nurse, advised me to let go. There was no movement and almost dead.

Medically, my brother had no chance of recovery. Only a miracle will make him live. I prayed to God for a miracle dramatic enough to help unbelievers believe.

If GCS stayed at 2 after the 2 cans of Nutritional supplement, life support would be removed on 23 August 2013. 

14 August 2013. I emailed doctor for approval of additional products. He replied.

I agreed that surgical procedures should not be done on my brother. I refused removal of life support in 48 hours! We will wait 8 days to finish the 2 cans of  nutritional supplement.

17 August 2013. Our friend visited him, took a photo and shared to me that my brother's eyes were half opened. He yawned a few times! We asked GCS to be reassessed. GCS is now at 8. My aunt said there is a chance to survive at GCS of 8! 
22 August 2013. I prayed to God for my brother to live so that the superstition of the Chinese Ghost month will not happen in his life. A fellow Christian posted: "Take your authority and command the mountain to move." I remember the power of Jesus name over death!  I raised my right hand and declared "In the name of Jesus Christ, I prayed that my brother (brother's name)  will recover and be healed." I repeated it a few times. 
It had been a nerve-wracking 2 weeks. If the phone rings after midnight, I dreaded it to be the call to advise that he is gone.
25 August 2013. Our friend visited him again. Another photo. His eyes were opened but he had a blank stare.The doctor did say that if he lives, he will be in a vegetative state. He starts on second batch of nutritional supplements. 
26 August 2013. Bible verses on FB comforted me. Then I asked myself about prayer.

• Faith updated her status.
  "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
  
• Faith updated her status.
  "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
  2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
• Faith updated her status.
  "Does your life in Christ give you strength? Does His love comfort you? Do we share together in the spirit? Do you have mercy and kindness?"         ----Philippians 2:1
  
• Faith updated her status.
  When you pray... Do you believe that God will answer your prayer? A question I asked myself... God answers prayers according to His plan and will...

28 August 2013. Feeding tube procedure was allowed so nutritional supplement can go directly to the stomache.

My brother is now conscious. He could raise his right hand, move his right foot, open/close his right hand and give the number 2 sign. 

A surgeon requested authorization for tracheostomy procedure. I gave authorization with the condition that prior to procedure, my brother would be re-evaluated if procedure will be necessary. If unnecessary, procedure will be cancelled.

31 August 2013.  Anesthesiologist requested authorization for anesthesia use and advised the risks. Procedure was scheduled 3 September 2013. Ghost month will end 4 Septemebr 2013.

I had to call SFGH to reschedule tracheostomy procedure on 5 September or after.  I prayed that if the procedure will not help him to recover faster, God will not allow it to happen.

01 September 2013. I was able to sleep.  I shared on FB how God has been sending blessings for me to afford the nutritional supplements ordered for (brother's name).

03 September 2013. My brother is responding to all commands but WBC abnormally high. He has an infection. I continued to pray for God to intervene so my brother could avoid tracheostomy.

05 September 2013. Chinese Ghost Month already ended. I was wondering how my brother was feeling with the tube in his trachea.  I felt sorry for him. I really tried to prevent the procedure.

07 September 2013. After lunch, I read the FB post of my brother's friend who visited him.

Update on (brother's name). The doctors decided not to operate on (brother's name) . Since he's breathing on his own. They will pull the tube out and it will happen in an hour. Around 1pm. Pls join me in prayers for (brother's name) speedy recovery. GOD BLESS.

May honor, glory and praise be to God. I am witness to the power and mercy of God the Father.
20 October - 16 November 2013. I went to take care of my brother in San Francisco. He could eat, talk, breathe, pee and poo on his own. No machines nor catheter.  His right side is mobile. We are praying that he will be able to move his left side soon.  

Thank you for all your prayers. Thank you medical team in SFGH, family members and friends.

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When Life Hits Hard...

When I got retrenched in 2002... It was the lowest point in my life. I left my grandfather's house and it really felt like the world is against you.

Without a job, I had to deal with expenses for rent, food, transportation, a monthly amortization for a condo and the emotional struggles to keep one's sanity. Good thing... I was grounded on my faith in God. I kept reminding myself that God wanted me to learn a lesson and learning it fast would get me out of the unpleasant situation soonest.

My condo payments were at 18% interest a year. That means it would double every 5 years. I prayed to God for wisdom and direction and set the goal to pay it off in one year under a no interest payment mode. Monthly payments was P117K.  Combining my retrenchment package, my MLM business income and a P100K loan from a good friend. The condo was fully paid in one year.

God does send friends who are angels...

When I moved out of my grandfather's house, I brought my piano which was my grandfather's gift to me. When I got retrenched from corporate work, I bought the TV, computer, sofa, conference table and chairs, 3 cabinets, side table.

Storage was a need since I was only renting a room at the time. A bible study friend in St. Stephen's offered to store all my stuff in his warehouse. He sent a truck with his employees to wrap and transport the furnitures to his warehouse and these were stored there for 4 years rent free. When I was ready to move to my 3BR condo in 2005, this friend again sent his truck and employees to deliver all my furnitures to my new place without transport fees! It's God's grace to have a friend like that... I always wish this friend and his family abundant blessings for being such a blessing to his Christian family. If one had experienced that one's own family will not even give a hand, finding a friend like that is really precious... This friend taught me to help others without expecting anything in return...

I needed P100K more to fully pay my condo. I called/messaged some friends/relatives and offered higher than bank interest on a P100K loan. One person agreed to lend me money with no interest for friendship sake. I just had to give her 12 PDC's for her peace of mind. She was not the person I thought who would lend me money. The person I expected to lend it did not. I do not judge. I just learnt that it really depends on what the person can afford to help. The loan has been fully paid. But I will forever be indebted to this friend for the trust that she gave me when it mattered the most.

I moved three times from 2001 to 2005 while waiting for my condo to be finished. Hindsight, I am understanding why I had to go through the process.
I rented a small room with a 50+ woman who was conscious about electricity and water bills. She shared to me why a no frost refrigerator would mean more electricity cost. I learnt to change the light bulbs and cleaned my place in a certain way. It's not enough to just sweep the floor. All I learnt from her were factors considered when I bought my refrigerator, aircon, and lights in my condo. You do not hear me complain about utility bills these days because of this woman's influence on how I use electricity and water in my home.
I rented a bigger room near Masangkay. There was another room being rented by another tenant who likes using the oven toaster because she was diabetic. I saw the owner put a lock in the oven toaster to prevent its use. I understood that I do not like to become a person like that who is in want that she cannot afford to be generous...

The third place I moved to is friend's home. I stayed there about 6 months as I waited for my 3BR to be completed. The turnover of my 3BR condo was delayed by over a year. This is rent free stay with food that money cannot buy in the restaurant.My friend experienced the emotional highs and lows with me. I learnt to be loved as a person without trying too hard. I remember one time when I was sick. My friend gave me medicines. Now why would a friend take all that trouble to take care of me when she does not need to... I learnt that there are caring person does not need to have a reason to care for a friend but simply because it's the thing to do when someone needs to be cared for.

Its been more than 10 years now since I lost my job. There is no way to learn the things I learnt without going through those times when I felt terrible. God is good to help me understand. These days, I have a network marketing business that allows me to work when I choose to. I have a real estate broker's license which is making me go through another learning curve to build another stream of income. I have learnt to build my own websites, be careful with my spending, invest for long term financial security.

I have more than 3 friends who helped me in different situations along life's journey. I always remember the kindness... The help that was extended which I never expected. May your lives continue to be blessed.

To people who are at the point where I was, may you learn to turn to God to give you a hand. May you have the kind of friends who understand your needs and help you. May you learn from the journey of life and not demand help but be grateful when help is given.

Please please God, Give me a Hand...

"Lord, only you can help weak people against the strong. Help us, Lord our God, because we depend on you." - 2 Chron. 14:11

It has been 9 months since I filed my HLURB complaint vs. developer for non-delivery of my title. Total legal costs as of 18 June 2012 is P39,001 which has exceeded the additional P35,009.25 stated in the developer's statement dated 11 October 2010.

Developer's lawyer asked why I would spend on a lawsuit. My reply... Because I do not trust developer to release my title even if I will pay the P35,009.25 additional fees. They did not release my title when they said they would if I paid the P74,783.50 and submitted the Tax Clearance on 23 August 2007. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." I do not like to go through it twice.

Today, I went to the Mandaluyong Prosecutor's office for the first time. We have submitted my complaint and my lawyer said it would take one to two weeks to find out if the case would be elevated to the fiscal level. My prayer at the moment... If this is not according to God's plan, the case should not prosper to the fiscal office. End of story.

After we filed the HLURB complaint in September 2011, I asked my lawyer a few times when the criminal case would be filed. I thought it would be filed around the same time as the HLURB complaint. I trust my lawyer to have his reasons for dragging his foot on the criminal case. A few months later, the drama of the Corona impeachment trial was to unfold before my eyes.

The parent company of developer granted a P10M discount on a condo unit to Corona while seated as a Chief Justice. Oops! It looks like what a friend told me is true. There is no way for an average person like me to fight a bigtime developer in court. And no way am I going to pursue this case in court if Corona were acquitted. I then understood why the developer's lawyer scoffed at my resolve to file this case.

I had to ask God for another sign. Corona had to be removed from office if I were to have the confidence to continue this legal journey. Sign granted. Corona impeached! Right after the impeachment verdict, I called for a meeting with my lawyer to ask how much fees I have to pay to file the case. Two months ago, the docket fee was P50,000. Last week, my lawyer advised me I have to prepare P20,000 for our scheduled filing today, 18 June 2012. Today, we learnt that two days ago, the rule changed and that the P20,000 will not be filed at the Prosecutor's level. Only if the case is elevated to the fiscal office, then the docket fee will be paid in the court. I felt tears welling up my eyes. I know... I am going through this with God holding my hand.

On Corona's conviction, JPE told Karen Davila on ANC: "I think that there is a strong power moving in this world that really directs events for each one of us to play a part,". And I say that power is God. Please please God, give me a hand.

To my friends, please include me and my lawyer in your prayers. That we continue to have good health, safety and wisdom to go through this case. To provide the funds to pay for all required legal fees.

HLURB CASE NO. 090111-14580

My complaint vs. developer was filed with HLURB on 1 September 2011. Complaint is For: Non-Delivery of Title, suspension of license to sell, misrepresentation and damages with application for a cease and desist order..

3 months after, a preliminary conference was held on 1 December 2011 to make an offer of settlement on 13 December 2011.

Yesterday, 13 December 2011, developer submitted no proposal. The executive officers has no approval from the president.

Next instruction is to file a criminal case for violation of PD 957 by end this week.

My prayer is for God to grant me the strength to finish what I have started. To protect me from wrong intentions. Give me peace to right a wrong. Help me God. It's not by might nor by power, but by God's spirit.

If you read this and believe in what I am standing for, please pray for God's blessings on me and my lawyer. That we be granted the wisdom and good health to right a wrong which has been ongoing for years.

Wisdom or Simply Crazy...

"My child, listen to what I say and remember what I command you. Listen carefully to wisdom; set your mind on understanding... Only the Lord gives wisdom; He gives knowledge and understanding. He stores up wisdom for those who are honest. Like a shield, He protects the innocent. He makes sure that justice is done and He protects those who are loyal to Him."

Prov. 2: 1-8

I need assurance that I am doing the right thing and I read Proverbs 2 in my devotion today.

I paid P74,783.50 for the transfer of my CCT on 23 August 2007. On 11 October 2010, developer wants additional P35,009.21 to make a total of P109,792.71. Yesterday, I handed a check for the acceptance fee of my case to a lawyer. Over P100K of estimated legal fees vs P35K of additional transfer fees. Wisdom or simply crazy...

I weighed the consequences in my mind over and over again. If I am doing something that is not according to God's purpose, I could lose a lot of money. However, if God is allowing things to happen to strengthen my resolve to correct a wrongdoing, this incident would be one of those feathers in my cap.

I have never hired a lawyer in the past. Never thought I needed one. I follow rules. As a Christian, I am aware of consequences of wrong doing. I like my simple life. Abiding by biblical teachings, I believe I always have God's protection in anything that I do. So why is this happening to me?

A fellow homeowner mentioned once that developer overcharges transfer fees. I turned a deaf ear. I paid my transfer fees and submitted the required documents in August 2007. I was told they would call as soon as the CCT is available. 3 years after, I have not received a call. I went to the developer's office to personally make my follow up on October 2010. This time, I was handed another statement of account for additional fees. So this is happening to me because I wanted no part in taking a stand on overcharging of fees.

By some turn of events, I found myself affiliated with another developer's real estate team. A broker's review class was opened and would cost me P10,000 to understand laws on real estate transactions. It was expensive for a few days class. But a quote made me take the class.

"If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."-- Andy McIntyre and Derek Bok

In the review class, I learnt about PD 957, also known as THE SUBDIVISION AND CONDOMINIUM BUYERS' PROTECTIVE DECREE. Googling about sanctions on violations of PD 957, I found out that administrative fines is only P10,000 and penalties is only P20,000. No wonder the developer violates it with impunity... Based on my interpretation of Sec. 25 of PD 957 and computation from information I got from Assessor's office and Registry of Deeds, my transfer fees for a 3BR should be P35,339.76. Overcharged amount is P74,452.95. For my friend's 2BR, transfer fees should be P30,403.26. Overcharged amount is P55,336.95. Assuming an overcharged amount of P15,000 per unit and 2000 units in the entire condominium project, its a whopping P30M in overcharged fees. Why am I learning about this?

Sec. 25 Issuance of Title. The owner or developer shall deliver the title of the lot or unit to the buyer upon full payment of the lot or unit. No fees except those required for the registration of the deed of sale in the Registry of Deeds, shall be collected for the issuance of such title. In the event a mortgage over the lot or unit is outstanding at the time of the issuance of the title to the buyer, the owner or developer shall redeem the mortgage or the corresponding portion thereof within 6 months from such issuance in order that the title over any fully paid lot or unit may be secured and delivered to the buyer in accordance herewith.

I prayed to avoid going to court. The last sign I asked God was for the developer to release the title when my lawyer sent the demand letter. The developer did not reply.

My mind and heart is set. I will fight a Goliath in court. In the HLURB meeting I had last 18 August 2011, I stated that God sent me there. The lawyer of the developer scoffed. I still have to learn if I have to suffer for righteousness sake or justice would be God's reward for a road less travelled. Please pray for me. If you think I am standing for what is right, please pray that I will be in good health and safe to finish what I have started. That God will provide the legal fees to see through the entire case. To those who disagrees that a Christian should file a case in court for such matters, please pray that God convicts me and grants me wisdom to do what is right.

Going through life, I learnt that one experiences life by living it. Thank you God for the learning.