Sunday, December 31, 2006

END OF YEAR

Wow....it's the last day of 2006. What have we done? How much has been achieved? What is there to reflect on?

Plenty...just plenty.

I'll start with Jonathan...who turned 9 this year...

1) Completed the Primary One syllabus for Math and English in school.
2) Learned to use the doorbell to call anyone and point to what he wants using the picture cards (that's 2 points...haha)
3) Watched a 45-minute children's musical called "The Selfish Giant" with his school friends without fuss.
4) Pronounced the word "_ILK" which he meant "MILK" when he was hungry.
5) Starred in the documentary "My Son, Jonathan"...actually it's his life story...
6) Participated and completed in the Children's Charity Walkathon (his first time) on 2 December 2006.
7) Bravely went through a dental cleaning procedure at KK that lasted more than 2 hours under GA on 15 December 2006.
8) Watched a movie for the first time at Cathay Cinema called "Night At The Museum" on 17 December 2006.
9) STOOD UP WITH MY SUPPORT, HELD ON TO THE DOOR HANDLE AND OPENED THE DOOR FOR HIS DADDY WHO RETURNED HOME FROM WORK.

All these achievements....never done before...I call them Jonathan's 9 Major Pre-Miracle Achievements.

He achieved more than what I have mentioned. I believe more will come. From tomorrow onwards, I'll be adding more, not just only one or two. Yes...I believe this will happen.

Actually, Jonathan's already started before 2007 comes...He's been asking me to make him stand more often.

2007...I don't know what will be in store for all of us. But I want to look forward to more good things, not just for Jonathan, but for H and myself.

2007....2007....2007....No resolutions....just live a day as it is.

Read in Max Lucado's daily devotion...things change when you start looking for God...I'll make this one of my goals...to start looking for God...in every person who comes in contact with me...in every situation that comes to my path, in every day that comes...yah...that should be the way...

LOOK FOR GOD IN EVERYTHING.

Sunday, December 24, 2006

PRE-MIRACLE

Today...Jonathan opened the door for his daddy. He was standing, put his hand on the door handle and opened the door...
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All these done while I held on to him. He didn't buckle his legs....I'M VERY PROUD OF HIM.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

STAYING POSITIVE

Last night at Tampines Mall Popular bookstore...Jonathan and I in one of the aisles between shelves of books.
Two ladies (probably in their early 50s) stopped. One of them tapped the other's shoulder. Said something to her and both looked at my direction. Then another elderly lady came behind them. The shoulder tapper turned to her, said something to her and she also looked at my direction.

Now...what do you think they were doing? They were looking at Jonathan and me. They didn't smile, neither did they come to ask questions. They just stood there for about 30 secs looking at us.

Now...what did I do? I retreated backwards. Then looked at them and they realised it and walked off.

So...what do you think they were thinking? Perhaps in their minds..."Hey! that's the child and mother who were in the documentary recently? Wow...they look better live than on TV!". Or..."eeee-err...why this boy that like? Keep drooling and the way he sits looks wierd. The parents must have done something wrong to get this type of kid."

You choose....

After a while, still at Popular, saw a young girl who has some body disfigurement. Now...this girl can talk and walk, although her body is not normal. What do you think those 3 woman will say? I wonder but I don't want to ponder too much. This girl is brave enough to be out in public so I believe she and her mom are not bothered by what people will say about her.

Like this girl and her mother, I chose to go public so I'm liable to praise or scrutiny. Nothing to worry about. I'm beginning to accept whatever comes my way. People have rights to say whatever they want.

Just don't let me hear them if they are negative.

Life has to go on....the next time I see a special needs child I'll go up to their parents and say I'm encouraged by what they are doing...that's what we need to do.

There are good and bad times.

Good times yesterday afternoon while at City Hall...saw a family with a special needs girl having a meal at PAN Restaurant...another Indian lady came up to ask me about Jonathan's buggy cos her son (5yo) has muscle dystrophy. These are positive sights. Hope to see more special needs in public places.

Monday, December 18, 2006

ENJOYABLE SUNDAY, LAZY MONDAY

This is the first time....Jonathan woke up late...so I continued sleeping...noticed at 9am that he was sleeping on and off so didn't bother him and I layed down and fell asleep too...haha. Both of us woke up at 11am!! First time!

Went for movie screeing of Night At The Museum at Cathay Theatre yesterday. Starring Ben Stiller and other star-studded cast. Funny show. Organized by Mediacorp Channel 5 Cares. An almost 2-hour show.

Jonathan sat glued to screen (first time in movie theatre) for one hour. Later when there was no action, he started getting bored. Tk God brought his cassette player so let him listen to Wheel closed to his ears. Towards last half hour, he started watching the show again.

On the whole....he did good. Some parts he laughed. We enjoyed it. Theatre was nice, comfortable seats so carrying him for the 2 hours, rotating between H and I was no problem.

Go catch the movie. Opening in theatres on 21 Dec.

Saturday, December 16, 2006

DENTAL

Went to KK about 11.30am. Many people, mostly malays, at the Day Surgery. Found out there were 11 dental procedures and more than 20 malay kids circumcising.

Processed admission, temperature checked, questions answered, put anaesthesia cream on both hands and waited for them to call.

Waited....waited....waited....waited....waited....time: 1.15pm.

Jonathan and I were taken to operating theatre lobby and get ready. I put on my gown and cap. No need to change Jonathan. Anaesthesialogist (??)...asked questions, another dr asked questions....all the same questions actually. why can't the copy from the same form? Hah! Told me they will make him sleep first then put a tube through his nose to breath. Dentist came by to tell me what they will do.

1.45pm wheeled Jon into the operating theatre. They tried to distract him with all the paintings on the wall but Jonathan knows better than that. Once inside the OT, he knew what he was up to. Looked a little nervous but very brave. Didn't struggle when they put IV on this left hand. Dr squirt some medicine through IV and next thing...Jonathan was knocked out. So I left the OT.

Thot the procudure would only take 45 minutes like some of my friend's children.....NO.....Jonathan's took TWO long hours. Major cleaning...well...they haven't been cleaned by dentist for 9 years.

Dentist extracted 2 milk teeth. S'pose they thot it would be better to remove them and let the new permanent teeth grow better. Put sealant on the 4 molars to prevent decay and his teeth are now cleaned and white.

What I dislike....lots of phlegm after they remove the intubating tube and left nostril bleeding. Jonathan was very uncomfortable and got permission for him to sit on his buggy. Glad I did that. He coughed up alot of thick secretion after that. Made him breath better.

Total cost? Don't want to think about it. KK told me cannot use medisave...Appealed to Ministry of Health. Hopefully approve.

That's expensive dental treatment...one I hope will not be repeated.

But best of all...JONATHAN WAS BRAVE....VERY BRAVE AND DID NOT MAKE A BIG FUSS OUT OF THE WHOLE EVENT. Praise the Lord!

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS!

Saturday, December 09, 2006

BEING RECOGNISED

This morning we were standing at the road side, waiting for a cab. About 10 mins later one came and we were getting reading to go on.

All of a sudden, we heard someone shouted "JONATHAN!". Looked up and saw an Indian or Eurasian man waving.
He was jogging, wearing a dark blue jogging suit.

I looked at H, asked him if he knew this man. "No", his answer came. Neither did I.

I looked at the man and while jogging slowly, he lifted up his hands and drew an imaginary square with his index fingers.

Oh.....he saw the Documentary on TV.....

He smiled and we waved and smiled back. He continued jogging and we went into the cab and left.

What a pleasant start of the day.

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

WHAT WE GIVE OUR CHILD MATTERS

Jonathan is due for dental cleaning next week on 15th. So i thot just to keep him healthy (not that his not right now), i gave him 10ml of my regular vitamin C intake...Redoxan effervescent. that was the only new thing I gave yesterday.

By afternoon, his face changed. Looked very tired and started welching...vomitting...gagging...lots of phlegm. This went on for the rest of the day until he fell asleep at night. Gave him anti-vomit and wind medicine.

Was it because the Redoxan was too strong, I'm not sure but since it was the only new thing I gave I figured that would be the reason why.

Today, he woke up okay. Thank God for that. So....I must remember that what I give to Jonathan matters and to be more careful next time.

Sunday, December 03, 2006

CHILDREN'S CHARITY WALKATHON

Saturday, 2nd December 2006....Arrived at Ngee Ann City Plaza at 8.30am and saw students from MINDS arriving as well....so we were not late...haha. The turnout was good. Didn't expect so many people taking part in the walkathon and the carnival. There were about 30 stalls that day, selling things ranging from food, to handmade products, game stalls, etc.

Got our t-shirts from Melissa and the one for Jonathan was too big so he went for the walkathon with what he wore....the Channel 5 Cares T-shirt.

The walkathon was flagged off by Zoe Tay. Jonathan's partner was Paul Twohill.

Clients from Spastic's GROW workshop were also at the walkathon. They had a stall selling goodies too.




We were in the front row at the starting line up. Walking with Paul was a bomb man...This guy is really funny. We talked alot while we walk, anything under the sun, his school, his busy schedule, how to wheel Jonathan's buggy...haha. He was unfamiliar about pushing the buggy so he was very careful. But later we found out that his "minders" warned him not to do any stunts with Jonathan in his buggy..haha.

Along the way, we greeted passers-by and Paul will stay "Merry Christmas". The walk was from Ngee Ann to Tanglin Mall, then cross the road at the traffic junction and walk back to Ngee Ann.

From being the lead at the beginning, we ended up being the 3rd group or so to finish. Towards the end of the walk, Paul asked me permission to speed up and both of us ran with Jonathan's buggy to the finish line! He was finally free to do what he had wanted in the beginning...hah!

The weather was fantastic. No sunshine, cloudy day, breezy. It only drizzled lightly when we reached our finish line. After that, the weather was perfect.

The carnival was great. Melissa put up a store to sell her hand-made jewellery and Jeremiah (from Ngee Ann Poly) and his friends also sold the printed cards. Our school's music and drama group performed 2 numbers to great applause from the audience. Guest of Honor was Mrs S R Nathan.

Jonathan enjoyed the walk. We left at 12pm cos he was already tired and we have made our rounds at the carnival. Hope they raised a lot of money for the charities, which includes our school.

We ended our day taking a picture with Kooky, the Channel 5 Cares mascot.

I'm very happy cos Jonathan's daddy participated too. Perhaps next year we'll do it again. Maybe try to get sponsors so that Jonathan's friends can do the walkathon and get friends involved.

Why not? It's for a good cause.

Friday, December 01, 2006

THE HEART COLLECTIVE

Jeremiah Su and a few friends who call themselves BLACKLINE from Ngee Ann Polytechnic are setting up a fund-raising event called

THE HEART COLLECTIVE

to raise funds for the Spastic Children's Association School (SCAS).

They will be selling printed post cards at the Children's Carnival on 2 December 2006 at the Ngee Ann Civic Plaza.
Their booth is right next to Mediacorp's Booth, creating awareness for SCAS.
Samples of the cards designed by BLACKLINE:










BLACKLINE will also be holding THE HEART COLLECTIVE fund-raising event at their own school. This is also to raise funds for SCAS. Details:

WHEN: 4 - 6 December 2006
WHERE: Ngee Ann Polytechnic Student Plaza from 4-6 December 2006.
TIME: 12pm to 6pm daily

During the fund-raising event at Ngee Ann Poly, a documentary called "My Son, Jonathan" will be featured and a gig to encourage onlookers to donate will also be held. All happening at the Student Plaza, right next to the bus-stop at Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

SUPPORT Jeremiah and BLACKLINE for a worthy cause.
Like they say in the cards...IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE"!

Thursday, November 30, 2006

ORDINARY DAY REFLECTIONS

I'm lazy, very lazy actually. Tons of clearing to do. Tables full of my things and I'm lazy to clear them. But they are collecting dust and I'm so lazy to clear them

BUT I MUST!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday's coming. The children's charities walkathon. Hope the weather will be good that day.

Christmas is less than a month away. My grand-nephew will be born before Christmas and my friends want to come over and pay us a visit.

So I better clear all my things....feel so lazy. The cough medicine is making me so drowsy. I slept for almost 2 hours just now while Jonathan watched Wheel....yes...he's been watching.

Yesterday 'gaited' (is there such a word?) his legs and made him stand for 15 minutes. Tiring for my back too but more tiring for him.

Found a CP Fitness centre that offers therapy through wearing a suit. It's called Suittherapy. www.suittherapy.com. Seems quite good but have to go to USA. Too bad they are not near where Arina and Sal's families are. Otherwise, we can bunk at their homes during summer and go for the therapy as well. 3 week intensive course for Jonathan and myself will probably cost more than $10K. This have to consider....finance. If we are staying in USA, there will definitely be financial aid without questions asked.

Oh well....will see where God leads. I"m still praying about this and doing more research.

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

HOW FORGETFUL CAN A PERSON GET?

I turned babysitter yesterday to 4 children. 2 in secondary school, 1 in primary and 1 in nursery. So with Jonathan, that makes 5. H had to go see his dad in hospital with his mom and sisters who didn't want to bring their children. So i changed profession just for last night.

Jonathan was good. He layed on the mat and watched his wheel of fortune while I entertained the children. It happens you know....when there are guests, your child gets left alone....especially when I'm alone and I can't get him involved.

Jonathan was happy watching wheel. I started babysitting around 7.30pm. The guests didn't leave until around 11pm. At 11.30pm I was clearing the place up. Then I saw Jonathan drooling excessively. I asked him if he wanted milk before he slept, he said 'yes'.

Then it dawned on me....

I haven't given him his milk feed scheduled at 10pm....OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!!!! His last feed was at 7pm so he hasn't had anything for 5 hours!!! I usually give him some water in between but in the midst of entertaining the kids, I totally totally forgot.

H, who after sending the guests off, asked, "You forgot to feed Jonathan?"

I looked at him and said calmly, though angry, "Don't start".

H didn't say a word. I guess he decided not to blame me cos I was watching over his nieces and nephew. I was angry becos I forgot to feed Jonathan. I felt so guilty and sorry that while I fed him, I kept apologising.

So...how forgetful can a person get? In my case, it was NO EXCUSE! Next time, I better set the alarm clock if I have a big group of people at my house.

Monday, November 27, 2006

COMPOSER IN THE MAKING?

While preparing Jonathan for bed, he was making sounds, melodious sounds. Some high notes, then some sound like spoken then some swirling sounds.

Asked him what he was doing, he said he was singing. Asked him if he was singing a Christian song or other songs, he said Christian song. Then I asked if it's a song we knew, he said 'no'. So I finally asked him...is it your own tune? He said 'yes'.

Our young son just composed his own music. Haha. You should see the expression on his face when he was singing....cringing his face here, laughing there, eyebrow frowning when he went high notes. So cute.

If only we knew what he was singing....

Soon....I believe.

Saturday, November 25, 2006

PICTURE DAY!

Today is picture day! Got these pictures from the photographers of the documentary My Son, Jonathan.
It's showing tomorrow at 6.15pm on Channel 5.

The SMUs,NAPs,MEDIACORPs n JONATHAN

JONATHAN'S ACHIEVEMENT

I'm trying to make Jonathan to communicate with me on his own so I don't have to ask him questions.

Last week, while changing his diaper, I told him that if he needs to change diapers in future, he should call me and touch his diaper.

Tonight, while he was watching TV, his diaper got detached at the velcro. He was so excited over the Wheel of Fortune game. He moved alot and the fastener came off.

I think he called me but I didn't hear. I happened to look at his direction and he was looking at me, touching his diaper. Since H was near I asked him to check. True enough, the diaper was not fastened.

I'm proud of him for achieving this. I hope in a while, he will tell me if he needs to pee or poo.

GOD IS GREAT!

Thursday, November 23, 2006

I'VE MADE MY FINAL DECISION

Had a call from him again yesterday. This time he praised the 2 people who were with me. That was the final hint, or rather, confirmation about my decision to quit.

You see...we have been embroiled in a "sage" for quite a while. Got myself involved, got myself worried and got myself anxious about everything. At the same time, felt very lowly about certain issues. Got calls from him, got calls from the victims, got calls from all over. So...when you receive so many calls, who do you listen to? I got played - this is how I felt....but not by the innocent 2 who were with me.

Worst is that I went along with the play. Got myself into trouble a couple of times. My fault - didn't listen to God's prompting.

Now that it's over, I have to move on. But somehow I felt that if a person has no qualification, does that mean that the person cannot deal with issues at hand? I suppose we who don't have high education see things differently. Maybe we can call ourselves streetsmart or "disability-smart"...haha. I mean...when you don't have a high education, does that mean you can't be wise to solve things? I got this vibes when I talk to C a couple of times and I felt very foolish after talking to him. Perhaps I was being too sensitive.

I didn't like it but I suppose I dug my own grave...

So last night, with a heavy heart, I told God that I don't feel good. It hurt and it didn't have to in the first place. Then when I opened the bible, a passage from Acts 9:36 struck me.

"Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did."

Well...she died and those whom she helped called Peter to pray for her and she rose from the dead and continued her ministry. They loved her for helping them, making clothes for them. I don't think she was a highly qualified woman. I believe she did this from her heart, with God's love embroidered in the items she gave to the widows and needy.

I cried after reading this passage. There was some kind of relief.

I finally decided that I can do this without a title. I can do this even though I'm not highly educated. I can continue to help, spread love, encourage those who need them the most, even without being in a committee. So long as God sees it, and use it to His glory.

BUT I'M NOT BLAMING ALL DEGREE HOLDERS OR ANYONE WITH HIGH QUALIFICATIONS. I'M NOT LOOKING DOWN AT THEM. THEY ARE GREAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIFFERENT PASSIONS IN LIFE. THIS IS MY EPISODE AND I JUST HAD TO WRITE IT DOWN TO GET IF OFF MY HEART.

So I'm going to set myself free from all these. After my last assignment in the committee, that's where i will fly. Be free to do whatever I think is necessary, help whenever I'm needed...but more wise in my decision.

One important lesson I learned throughout the whole "saga".....
SILENCE IS GOLDEN. BUT GOD'S PROMPTING AND WISDOM ARE MORE IMPORTANT.

Wednesday, November 22, 2006

CHILDREN'S CHARITY CARNIVAL, 2 DECEMBER 2006

The Children's Charities Association (CCA) is the fund-raising umbrella for 6 childrens charities, namely, the Spastic Children's Association of Singapore (SCAS), Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS), Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN), St. Andrew's Mission Hospital (SAMH), Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf), and Singapore Children's Society (SCS). The Walk the Extra Mile with Me Carnival will be held on Saturday 2 December 2006 at Civic Plaza (in front of Ngee Ann City). There are 2 parts - the Walkaton and the Carnival.

Walkaton
It will start with a Walkaton from 8.30 to 10.30am. Each participant pays a registration fee of $20 in which they would sponsor one of our disabled client (either a child or adult client) to walk with them. This would create bonding and allowing the participants to mingle with our clients and get to know them better and the challenges they face.The walk is about 2km starting from Civic Plaza and follows the following route:Civic PlazaUp Orchard Road to Tanglin MallCross over to Singapore Post BuildingWalk back down Orchard Road to the Thai EmbassyCross the road to Wheelock PlaceWalk back down to Civic Plaza

Carnival
The Carnival will start at 11am till 9pm at the Civic Plaza. There will be stalls selling food, drinks, handicrafts and game stalls. All purchases made at the carnival would be in the form of coupons. Each coupon ticket is divided into $1 and $2 coupons. This is because all transactions at the Carnival are coupon based.

Mrs SR Nathan is our Guest Of Honor for that day. Mediacorp Channel 5 is also promoting our Carnival on TV and are considering bringing down the Singapore Idols to participate in our Walkaton and Carnival.

GOD'S PROTECTION

A doctor died yesterday. Respitory problem. Total 4 now as reported in the papers.

Pray for God's protection over us, families and friends.

I used to be afraid that Jonathan would leave me...I don't know why...maybe it was because when he was young he was always in and out of hospital. But now...I'm not afraid anymore. God has big plans for Jonathan and us...AMEN!

Keep confessing PSALM 91. It's for protection against everything!

HE WHO DWELLS IN THE SECRET PLACE OF THE MOST HIGH
SHALL ABIDE UNDER THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY

Will bring Jonathan out for lunch with his grandpa and grandma. Maybe grandma works today but his cousins will come along. Jonathan is normally the quiet one...actually...most of the time...haha. While we eat, he will listen to his cassette player...taped wheel of fortune for him.

Wheel of Fortune...he cannot miss them. Teacher and myself gave him a sign language name. We use the sign language "J", that's the little pinky writing a "J" sign. So we use the "J" sign and we make circular movements implying the wheel.

Since his recovery from flu, he hasn't been out of the house so he's quite happy when he found out we were going to Parkway Parade. Maybe we'll go to the new bookstore Harris at Marine Parade Central. I'm sure he will have a good time walking around.

God is with us everywhere we go!

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

WHAT IS CEREBRAL PALSY?

Today, Jeremiah sent me the designs of the cards his team was going to sell to raise funds for SCAS (Spastic Children's Association School). That's really great of them to do it. I really like the cards. They are very well done!

He asked me if he could put in my blogsite and I said ok. But then I realised that I have NEVER written or explained anything about cerebral palsy (CP) in my blog. People who come to my blog will only get to read about Jonathan, my gripe, my daily notes...and much much more. So paiseh...have child with CP still don't write what CP is...hah!

Anyway, CP is so broad. Found this at www.cerebralpalsy-info.org and thot better put it down so people will know the different types of classification...Now I can safely tell Jeremiah I got information about CP in my blog...haha.

Causes and Types of Cerebral Palsy
In the case of Cerebral Palsy there is no one cause of this severe condition. There are many things that may increase the risk of this condition but will not cause cerebral palsy all the time. In the majority of cases and average of seventy percent, it results from brain injury before the child is even born this is known as congenital cerebral palsy this would be present from birth but may take months even years to diagnose depending on how severe it illness is. There is also a chance of acquired cerebral palsy which could happen through there being a case of meningitis or brain injuries.


Below are some factors that can increase the chances of cerebral palsy. None of the above will definitely lead to cerebral palsy. Before birth: Prematurely, long difficult labor, lack of oxygen to the child, Bacterial infection of the mother during birth, low birth weight, severe jaundice, viral, diseases in early pregnancy, attack of the child?s central nervous system, lack of oxygen / nutrients from the placenta to the fetus and incompatible blood types between the mother and child. After birth: Viral encephalitis, brain tumors, head injuries and Meningitis
Cerebral palsy is broken down into three main types: Ataxic cp, Athetoid cp, Spastic cp.

Ataxic CP - this is the rarest of the three and occurs when the cerebellum has been damaged this part of the brain controls balance. It will be difficult fop the child to coordinate their movements and they will have problems below with balancing.

Along with the three types of cp some children will have a combination of them all.

Athetiod CP - This type of cp occurs when the basal ganglion has been damaged and as a result causes involuntary, uncoordinated and uncontrolled movements of the muscles. This causing uncontrolled and jerky movements as well as twisting of the fingers and wrists may affect all limbs. When walking, it will tend to cause the child to stumble with poor coordination. (This is Jonathan's diagnosis)

Spastic CP - This type of CP is the most common of the three it occurs when there has been damage to the cortex, which is the part of the brain controlling thought movement and sensation. Causes mainly tightness of the muscles, in both the arms and legs of the inflicted. The arms will tend to be flat against the side of the body with the hands bent up against the forearm. Depending on the damage the legs will either be greatly effected or only mildly it may be only slightly obvious that there is a problem when the child walks or in worse cases both legs are affected and they will be crossed with the toes pointing. If the muscles are not exercised often enough this can cause the child to become wheelchair bound.

FINALLY!

A load has been taken off my shoulders....well...just a small load. It's not totally over but at least the major part is closed.

Jonathan has been left alone for the last few days cos I was busy with the matter. But he's been very patient with me even though he'd just recovered from flu. God is good 9-) He healed Jonathan before the meeting so I'm thankful. Also glad H supported me. Gave me encouragement by giving me a listening ear.

All glory to the Lord. Now, I have to put my concentration on Jonathan....who has been 'talking' alot lately.

Perhaps a miracle is coming....he'll wake up and say "MOMMY WAKE UP!!" That would be a wonderful gift!
It's coming...I believe it...

Monday, November 20, 2006

THE THREE AMIGOS

Got a picture from Naida...our filming idols...haha.

Hope they received the reward they deserve from the school. They did a good job on the documentary.

Nadia was afraid we would forget them so she sent me this picture.


Who can forget this 3 bubbly personalities! I believe they will go far with everything they do!!

GRACE - TIMELY HELP

Taken from Max Lucado website - www.maxlucado.com

Timely Help
Monday, November 20, 2006


“We will find grace to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT

God’s help is timely. He helps us the same way a father gives plane tickets to his family. When I travel with my kids, I carry all our tickets in my satchel. When the moment comes to board the plane, I stand between the attendant and the child. As each daughter passes, I place a ticket in her hand. She, in turn, gives the ticket to the attendant. Each one receives the ticket in the nick of time.

What I do for my daughters God does for you. He places himself between you and the need. And at the right time, he gives you the ticket. Wasn’t this the promise he gave his disciples? “When you are arrested and judged, don’t worry ahead of time about what you should say. Say whatever is given you to say at that time, because it will not really be you speaking; it will be the Holy Spirit” (Mark 13:11, emphasis mine).

God leads us. He will do the right thing at the right time.

Thank you Lord, this is what I needed today.....

LAZY MONDAY

First day of school holiday...tried to wake up late cos Jonathan didn't sleep well with his blocked nose...then got worken up by a call at 8.30am. Last night told Jonathan he doesn't have to wake up early cos it's the school hols...Next time...turn off handphone ;)

Tomorrow big day for me. Either I make or break it. Praying for God's wisdom. Lesson learned...SILENCE IS GOLDEN!!! Got myself into trouble today. People asking me to be neutral but I'm thinking....you also don't sound neutral...so how? Arrows shooting at me. Only people I share with knows what I'm talking about.

So....lets see how tomorrow goes.

DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW FOR TOMORROW GOT IT'S OWN WORRIES. 8-)

Finally got a call to say a copy of the documentary has been left in school for me, plus the awareness posters. I'm so happy. I told Nic that I hope it would be translated into chinese so that non-English speaking public/parents/care-givers can watch too. Also eager to find out public's response.

I'm so lazy I don't feel like doing anything. Just surf the net, read lots of emails and talk to Jonathan. When papa returned from work, Jonathan was talking so much that he told me he was telling his papa what happened today. Basically, nothing much was done today for him too....haha. He just kept talking non-stop...so cute. Makes me so proud of him for holding a conversation with his dad with his ooohs and aaahhs and bbrrss.

I LOVE HIM VERY MUCH 8-)

CHILDREN DO THE DARNDEST THINGS

Last evening my phone rang. Feeding Jonathan so rushed to answer the phone only to hear 2 children's voices over the line. I put down the phone.

After a few minutes later, the phone rang again. Picked up and the same voices. I got annoyed and spoke loudly over the phone: "YOU CALL AGAIN I'M GOING TO ASK THE POLICE TO CATCH YOU!!!"

The phone never rang again for the rest of the night......

This happened last week too. The kids, I don't know if they are the same, called twice and I hung up the phone twice.

Didn't mean to scare them....can imagine their reaction upon hearing the "POLICE" word. haha. I wonder if their parents know what they are doing? I remember when I was young I did it once but didn't do it again. These children might even dial an overseas number and then would rake up a huge telephone bill for their parents.

But then again, to children, if there is no childish pranks,....what is childhood then? Hahaha

Sunday, November 19, 2006

THE COST OF EVERYTHING

Jonathan had fever 2 days ago...now subsided although his nose is still stuffy. Got the flu from me. I don't like it when he falls sick. So when I noticed the first symptoms two days, I quickly brought him to the dr's. Not that I'm kiasu but just don't want him to go through all the vomitting....gagging....sleepless nights....

Well....he did have difficulty sleeping bcos of his blocked nose and I was coughing away with him. Normally I wear a mask when I'm not well but I didn't think it was serious...wrong thinking!!!

Seeing dr cost money but at least better than having him stay in hospital like before. But when you think about it, when Jonathan had to stay in the hospital, we got to use medisave and didn't have to pay a cent upfront...8-)
This reminds me of the topic about the MP setting up a parents workgroup to help families with special needs children to raise trust funds. What happens when we are gone and our children are left behind?

I read that MINDS is starting this trust fund and each family has to come up with S$5000 upfront for the committee to help them invest. I haven't really read the full story but I believe this is what was said in the news on TV last month or so.

S$5000....upfront....that's quite a lot of money. Not many people can come up with so much money at one go. Most of us can't even afford to come up with a small sum of S$500.

An insurance agent from NTUC Income once approached me about buying insurance for Jonathan. I turned Jonathan towards her and asked if they have policies for special needs children. She was kind enough to make enquiries for me. When she called me a week later, she told me that yes, they can insure Jonathan but the monthly premium would be more than S$150.

So what was my decision? Keep the money and use it for Jonathan's milk supply, gauze for his feeding button, diapers and transport fees....spread out evenly, top with some cash for each item....

Two months ago, his feeding button was almost torn into two. Had to bring him to KK A&E bcos the surgeon had already left the clinic and it was after 5pm. I had to go to A&E otherwise if the button broke into two, the other part will stay in the stomach and they would have to cut Jonathan just to remove the damaged button.
The surgeon wasn't sure how to charge the button. They debated with the Medical Examinar. Told me that if I had come before 5pm, the charge would be different. I felt like strangling the surgeon....HOW WOULD I KNOW?!? THIS COULD HAPPEN ANYTIME!!! #?!%$....

But in the end, they say the button itself cost S$450. That was the A&E charge. My friend's son had his button changed during office hours. How much did she pay? S$190 for the button. So....what's the moral of the story? To keep cost down, check the feeding button every now and then and don't wait till it's about to break...8-(
I'm not alone in this. Most families in our school do face this problem. Jonathan will have his teeth cleaned next month. Total cost is probably going to be more than S$500. This is becos he has to sleep for his teeth to be cleaned as he struggles alot and can't be done that normal way. They will apply a sealant to each of his molars to prevent decay. That alone is S$25 per molar and he has 4. I think the bulk of the cost is the 'GAS' used to make him sleep. Just take a few deep breath and it cost a few hundred bucks....haha. Thank God oxygen is free!!!
The social worker at KK said since my husband earns more than S$2000 a month, we are not entitled partial medisave usage. I wrote to my MP asking if she could help me - to allow me to use medisave. Till now, she hasn't replied my email. Her website says "Write to me and I'll answer your queries as soon as I can"....that was about more than a month ago. My friend suggested I go to Mr Goh Chok Tong's constituency to seek help, it will produce faster results..haha

Well....we scringe a little, budget a little and we still get by. We give up some luxuries, we receive lots of help from families and friends and we still get by.

Why? Because we trust in our God Almighty...He provides when you least expect it. He has a treasure storeroom for us to tap on. He sees what we need and provides.

I am probably one of the few who gets alot of support from families and friends and I'm VERY VERY thankful to God for them. I'm not writing about all these to garner for money. I'm writing just to show how families with special needs children cope. I've seen families who can't afford and yet still very happy with what they have.
I hope that wth this new workgroup, more help will be given to families with special needs children/adult to take care of.

Saturday, November 18, 2006

MY SON, JONATHAN

Found out last night about the documentary to be shown on TV Sunday, 26th November 2006.

Don't know to feel elated or just...don't know...

I remembered someone wrote on a forum website for special needs...I think it was a petition about Singapore government raising medical fees. He or she said that we should have aborted our children and not let them be born and waste government's money.

So how do I feel about this? Some people might think..."What's the point of showing a disabled child? This parent not shy meh?"

But what is important - Let the world know that there are special needs people out there. Most of us didn't get into this by choice. My case was a mishandled case. Some children born normally contracted meningitis later, had high fever...how do you explain that?

Let the world know that we need help. Whether we earn more than $2000 a month doesn't mean that we don't need financial help. Let the public be more aware that special needs, whether young or old, need to go out and enjoy themselves instead of being cooped up at home. Let the people know that God is constantly in control.

Now I'm looking forward to the documentary....I'm not happy because we'll be show-cased. I'm happy that I know something positive will come out of this. Something positive too look foward to.

The documentary....MY SON JONATHAN....26th November, Sunday at 6.30pm on channel 5.

Friday, November 17, 2006

DON'T LEAVE EVERYTHING TO TEACHERS

I'm angry...actually, not so angry. But just annoyed at some parents. All of us preparing for the year-end party for the children and caregivers. When it was time for food, some parents just leave the teachers to serve THEIR children. Then they stand around watching the rest of the people running around making sure the kids have their meals.

You can leave the teaching and training of your children to the teachers....but don't do this when there's fun time. If you don't want to do it, just disappear and don't help yourselves to the food!!!!!!

Buay Tahan!! God forgive me....

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

Today is the last day of school....Jonathan was all smiles today.

No lesson, no homework, no therapy, nothing today. Everybody busy with preparing for Graduation Ceremony tomorrow. 28 graduating. Wish them all the best wherever they are going. Hopefully some will gain employment.

Spoke to 16 year old Benedict yesterday. Said his teacher brought him to Subway for interview at Jurong Point. He'll be working in the kitchen. Hope this vacation job will give him more confidence to mix around in society.

Don't know any plans yet. Go out also have to spend. But there's a Children's carnival on 2 December. Heard from Jeremiah that they are planning to sell greeting cards to raise funds for SCAS. Must support!!

Jonathan got a DVD- Movie 'Cars' from a producer in Mediacorp. Today shared it with his friends and they enjoyed the show. Even Jonathan watched it....something quite new to me. But Mohd sat next to him and kept Jonathan in track, made sure no noise came out from him...hah.

Finally finished the 2nd vcd for the kids. This one includes the Singapore Idol footages.

Have an important meeting coming up with parents and Chairman. Must remember to be impartial....Lord give me wisdom.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

MY SON, JONATHAN

Hey Linette:

It's really a small world. The person from the bank is Ronald Tay. He works in UBS Ag, a swiss bank and I used to work there too, under the Personal Assistant of the CEO.

I heard he offered Mr Wan's friend a job. So I wrote to my friend at UBS and told her about it. The bank has actually adopted SCAS and that's why they were hoping to show the documentary to the staff, to motivate them to donate. 8-)

My friend said "Ronald liked the documentary and said it was touching and I was represented as a v strong mum!"

They haven't seen the weak and fierce side of me yet!! Hah! I should have told Nadia to put in segments of me disciplining and scolding Jonathan!!!

Well....as least the documentary did help bring people together and good things like above happened. Hope it will be used to greater heights!

Thks!

Serene

I NEED WISDOM...

Big issue between parents now. It's hard to be in the middle.
I need grace and wisdom from the Lord!!!

Year end coming already still can't settle.....sigh....when are they ever going to stop?

Hopefully next year will be better. Can't afford to have good people go.....

Sunday, November 12, 2006

DOCUMENTARY: MY SON, JONATHAN

The screening launch of the documentary: My Son, Jonathan, was held on 10 November 2006 at the Singapore Management University. After the documentary was shown, the program was followed by a speech from Mr Edmund Wan (Executive Director of Spastic Children's Association), then Q&A and finally viewing of the photo exhibits.

CNA did an interview and here's their article:

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MediaCorp Channel 5 Cares raises cerebral palsy awareness through documentary

SINGAPORE:

MediaCorp TV Channel 5 Cares hopes to raise public awareness of cerebral palsy through a documentary called "My Son, Jonathan".

There are about 500 children with cerebral palsy registered with the Spastic Children's Association of Singapore.

This medical condition affects the brain and causes the child to lose control of speech and body movements.

The 17-minute video is shot and produced by nine students from the Singapore Management University and Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

It features the story of Ms Serene Ho, a full-time caregiver to her 9-year-old son, Jonathan, who has cerebral palsy.

The project took one-and-a-half months to complete and is part of a series of efforts to showcase the challenges faced by families whose children have cerebral palsy.

As Ms Ho puts it: "Accept who we are. You can look but don't discriminate us or don't make us feel like we're a different type of people. Just accept us as ordinary citizens."

Nadia Samat, Director of the documentary, said the crew followed Ms Ho and Jonathan around for a couple of days.

"The part that really hit me - there was this shot that I really really like - it was a very simple shot where Serene was gently putting on socks for Jonathan. You can tell they really have a bond," she said. - CNA/so

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Pictures will be posted soon.

Friday, November 03, 2006

SINGAPORE IDOL FINALISTS

The 12 Singapore Idol Finalists came to our school to do a promo trailer.

We were all assembled in the school hall. Hady sang You Give Me Wings (his winning singles) and after that Joaqim played the keyboard and they sang 2 children's songs.

They had Singapore Idol notebooks to pass out and also a Singapore Idol strap for the children.
Jonathan was overwhelmed. His class and a few other children were picked to receive gifts from the singers.

Jonathan's present came from Paul Twohill. A funny guy who tried to make Jonathan laugh. But he made alot of effort to communicate with Jonathan, asking him if he (Paul) is handsome, does he like chicken rice, etc. Jonathan answered by using his 'yes' and 'no' signs.
Paul gave Jonathan Spongebob and he said he like it.

We also took pictures with other singers.
(Click on pictures for larger image)
Jonathan with Jasmine (extreme left)
Jonathan together with Jonathan Leong (Idol runner up), Si Pei, Paul (left)
That's him with Emily (left)

Saturday, October 28, 2006

AH PEK TALK TOO MUCH

Yesterday morning, I went to the market to buy a packet of bee hoon for brunch. There was a long queue and behind me was a man probably around 50 years old.

He was teasing the staff for not going fast enough, told them to start bringing out more chilli and other comments. The people there ignored him with smiles on their faces.

Finally it was my turn to be served. The lady serving bee hoon had a conversation with me. She know's Jonathan's condition and asked me what standard he would be now.

When I told her Jonathan would be in primary 2, immediately the man behind me started passing a remark in Mandarin "二年级还要崇他。不要给她走路,给他坐车." What he said was I was "He's in primary 2 and you still spoil him by letting him sit on buggy and don't let him walk." It was not a question to me. It was a remark, made loud and clear for other people to hear.

His tone was loud and not gentle. There were other people behind him. So after paying for my bee hoon, without looking at him, I said Jonathan couldn't walk and left the place. He immediately apologise but I was already walking away with his voice trailing behind me.

His reaction was normal, I guess. He didn't get a glimpse of Jonathan becos Jonathan was in front of me.

I hope from this experience, this Ah Pek would learn to think first before speaking. Otherwise, he would end up being punched for what he said. He's lucky to have bumped into me instead of other parents who might be offended with his remarks.

When I got home, I thought back about what happened. I told myself should have turned to look at him, use my handphone to take a picture and post it online...haha.

But you know...I wasn't angry at all. I just felt that this man ought to learn to analyse the situation first before making remarks like that.

God is my witness. He knows what went on and He will take care of it for me.

He's grace is sufficient for me to bear the situation.

2 Corinthians 12: 9 - "..My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfet in weakness."

Saturday, October 14, 2006

READY....ACTION!

A group of students from SMU came to Jonathan's school to request to shoot a short documentary on how a family takes care of a child with cerebral palsy. In the meanwhile, Mediacorp also wanted to do an awareness documentary to create more awareness for the school. So the school liaised and the two groups joined forces to produce the documentary.

The head of social workers Department approached me and I said yes.

The SMU students roped in a 3 Mass Communications Students from Ngee Ann Poly to do the filming (actually they are friends).

Filming began this week from 9 October and ended yesterday, 13 October.

Besides filming in Jonathan's class (who has photo and media consent), they also filmed me at home. From how I prepare Jonathan before leaving for school, to feeding him, and doing his homework.

Jonathan was a good boy. He cooperated although on some days he didn't want to do it. He's a natural in front of the camera...haha.



We had to retake two scenes when the first taxi driver decided to withdraw from the documentary. So the whole segment was repeated the next day (Thursday). But I felt it was another chance for me to correct what I said wrongly the day before and this second time round, I described it in more details. I believe God allowed it to happen because I wasn't happy with what I said on the first take the day before.

Here are some pix (click on pix for larger image):


The creative group with two of Jonathan's classmates.

Extreme left is Ling (student from SMU), Nadia, Joachim, Jeremiah (from Ngee Ann Poly Mass Com class) and Sean (professional photographer).

With Jonathan are Mohammed (left) and Kelvin (right).


While Jonathan, Jeremiah and I were in another taxi, doing a scene on the way to school, Joachim and Nadia were in another taxi playing with my camera.

I was surprise to see this picture when I got my camera back. It was a pleasant and good present for Jonathan. Notice the drawing on top right corner of the paper? That's Jeremiah!!

Filming done on the last day (Friday 13th...what a day!! haha). Jonathan was getting tired already. On the way home that day, he told me he didn't want them to come back with us.

It was a fun while filming although tiring. The whole team was very accommodating.

This documentary will be used by SMU and probably on TV Mobile (which hasn't been confirmed). Spastic Children Association School will receive a copy as their introductory video to new clients. This documentary will be used for 2 to 3 years.

On the whole, it was a good experience. Jonathan was really good and so were his classmates. They all had a lot of fun when attention was given to them. Teacher Lay Keong was very gracious to allow the crew and photographer to mingle in class even though she had to go on with lessons.

The group from SMU and the crew from Ngee Ann provided so much fun in school as well as while we were home filming. The Mediacorp Creative crew came to our house and bought lunch during one of the days and we had a lot of fun just sharing and throwing ideas.

I hope that this documentary will be able to touch many people and create more awareness about Singaporeans who have special needs and how their families cope.

Friday, September 29, 2006

CHILDREN'S DAY

Jonathan's school celebrated children's day at the Orchid Country Club at Yishun. It was fun with game stalls, swimming and bowling. The whole school was split into 3 color groups.

Jonathan's group started with the games stall, followed by bowling and then snack time. This group didn't swim.




One of the fun stuff was portrait sketch by an artist. Each sketch took less than 5 minutes to complete and this is the best gift for Jonathan this Children's Day.

Jonathan enjoyed himself. Tiring but fun day for us.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

CATCH UP

Today is my catch-up day. I wrote to old friends whom I have not written to for a long, long time.

Jonathan was happy we didn't go school today. He was all smiles. I helped the teacher draw designs on small papers and laminated them so that they can give to the volunteers as thank-you flags. Finished at 6am this morning. That's why couldn't go school.

Children's Day will be at Orchid Country Club. Pray for good weather.

Found out from a friend about a new therapy that will help children to speak words. I'm not sure how this therapy works but it's quite expensive. Don't know what is the success rate but heard it's effective. Must check it out.

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

FUNNY OR NOT?

Didn't write for the last week or so. Been busy helping teachers in Jonathan's school with children's day celebration goody bags. So by the time Jonathan slept, I was already very tired.

Jonathan hasn't been behaving in class lately. But when I think about it, it's actually quite funny.

He's been given a door bell with a button placed on his table top. This is to help him call us whenever he wants anything, asks or answers questions.

Last Thursdday, I had to go for a meeting in school. Jonathan looked for me and started pressing the button from the time I left for meeting right until we were about to go home. This annoyed the teachers and his classmates. Got warning from teacher but he just gave her a cheeky smile. She gave him a warning but he still carried on. Whenever he pressed the button and teacher stood up, he removed his hand from the button. But when she sat down, he would start again. So finally, as a punishment, she disallowed me to be in class and they took care of him while I went to pack the goody bags for children's day.

Jonathan has a funny side of him. He thinks that purposely giving wrong answers to a question in math test is funny. When the teacher corrects him and gets firm with him for doing that, he will just smile at the her.

There's a small gap between the wall and the head of his bed mattress. He loves to roll over there and let his head sink into that gap. Even if I put a pillow there, he will move it away and leave his head and sometimes body into the gap and calls for help when it is difficult to move out.

I continue to believe God for a miracle. My first wish is for him to be able to speak out words. So far...he's able to say "NO". One day, he produced a sound "ILK" when i asked him to say "milk". Praise God for this little improvement.