Daddy & Mummy had high hopes and dreams.
But all they're left with is an empty nursery..
That day, I remember how happy he was when he told us,
'I'm a father now!' Eyes gleaming.
2 months later, all i saw was a white little coffin, eyes tearing.
7 January 2011 - 21 March 2011. In loving memory, Von Teo Wen Yin.
(Please read on, only if you've the time)
She was a baby born with 2 teeth.
The incidence has been reported to be approximately 1:3000 births.
And born with a blood clot in her brain. Signs of epilepsy.
Not long after, the clot dissolved. Then another problem arose.
Doctor found many cis in her kidneys and it functioned at only 20%..
She would probably go for a kidney transplant or undergo daily dialysis for the rest of her life.
Transplant or dialysis for a baby? Can't imagine.
In and out the High Dependency Unit and Intensive Care Unit she went,
life hanging on a thread.
Even in isolation room, she caught a flu which further aggravated her situation.
Her immunity system has disintegrated.
Her small arms were punctured with holes with the tubes to keep her alive.
So many holes to the extent that the doctors had no space such that
they had to jab the needles near to her armpits.
The medication had to be directly injected to her bone marrow.
The pain she had to endure is beyond our imagination for a newborn like her.
As an adult, how would you feel if bundles of tubes were being jabbed into your body now and then?
Much less a baby that's barely 2 months old.
Babies cannot express themselves except for crying.
She was in great pain and yet she couldn't cry because of the breathing tube in her lungs.
Once, she cried and cried until she was voiceless. Can you imagine that?
After fighting bravely for 2 months and 2 weeks, she succumbed.
It was apparent that her little heart couldn't take it and she probably died within seconds.
She was called home by God on 21 March 2011.
Heaven has one more little angel up there, because of her.
How much are we fighting for our dreams? What's yours?
* * *
Goodbye Von, you've been a strong little girl who taught me one of the greatest life lessons.
Whenever her parents come near her, she'll stop crying.
Whenever her parents talk to her, she'll quietly listen.
The day before she passed away, Daddy told her:
“Von von, 你要快点好起来。医药费很贵。”
And the next day.. She was gone. Because she didn't want to burden her parents?
Some people believe that this was her filial piety towards them. It's up to you to believe :)
I'm thankful for the fact that I did not have to undergo such physical suffering as a baby.
I'm thankful for the fact that I was born a fat and healthy baby, with a head so big.
(And now I'm still healthy, alive and kicking.)
I'm thankful for the fact that my mother underwent all agony and gave birth to me.
What's your FIRST thought in the morning everyday?
Previously, I would always wake up with thoughts of detest, why do i have to wake up so early?!
Now i'll wake up thinking, i'm really lucky to be able to wake up.
Just a switch in my thought and i'm ready to start a new day with at least a little zest and not detest.
Despite all the fatigue and what may seem like a drudgery i may face at the end of the day,
A thought sounds, "At least I'm still alive."
Then I'm back on track again, because between positive and negative thoughts,
I chose the former and I feel so much better. Do we have a choice over our thoughts?
I guess we do afterall. But the process of change can be painful. It's simply defies the usual you.
And I want to be consistent. It's time for me to reflect again and it's time for me to treasure
even the day-to-day things I take for granted.
你让我确定能活着是幸福的。
We love you and we thank you even if you're up above, Baby Von Teo Wen Yin.
Especially your Daddy & Mummy.
This is the song Von's daddy and mummy sang to her on their way to the cremation. Do listen.
