Hi,
Last Sunday was David’s birthday. How we celebrated his birthday was something we would find difficult to envisage just a year ago. If you recall, He was hospitalized on his birthday for fever and infection last year. In fact almost every public holiday last year was spent in the hospital as he was admitted almost every month.
The ordeal he had to go through last year made me so truly grateful to the Lord for His great mercies & grace He is showing David and our family this year.
2007 is a year of new beginnings! As David shared, a lot of firsts – Joshua’s first day of school, David’s new involvement in the school’s parents support group and the very first time we successfully gave David a surprise birthday party.
Last Fri, as I was pondering what would be the best birthday gift for David, what would most pleased his heart - it seemed to be none other than spending time with people he cares for (being a people person). So, I decided to arrange a surprise party the next day with the help of some of his ex-G12 guys and their wives (those whose e-mail addresses were readily available). We tried to arrange a similar surprise party 3 years ago (before his diagnosis and when he was still mentoring his G12) but the “surprise” was not successful because Joshua (then 3+ years old) was so excited that after his afternoon nap he thought it was the next day and that the party was over thereby letting the cat out of the bag.
Well, this year – not only David had fun, we all had fun. He was so shocked it was actually very funny. All it took was an e-mail and these dear people avail themselves to “conspire with me” on this “secret mission”. 8 of them turned up and Cheryl even brought her 6 months baby girl who was our youngest “accomplice” – she was adorable and very co-operative!
I am really touched with how they made an effort to bless David despite the short notice. The plan was for them to be “planted” in our home while we were out for dinner and surprise him when we are back. It would have gone more smoothly if I did not forget to bring my mobile phone along (I wanted to kick myself if I could). I was so anxious and felt so handicapped without my mobile phone and yet trying very hard not to show my anxiety. Felt truly apologetic towards them for the inconvenience they have to put up with – waiting up to almost 2 hours in darkness, looking at every car that entered our carpark. They brought along cake, fruit basket, fun, laughter and most important of all - the precious prayers to bless David. I am sure he felt so loved! I did. Their presence and fellowship is God’s precious gifts to us. Their love is an expression of the greater love of God.
It is indeed Our Heavenly Father’s goodness and mercy that we are able to celebrate birthdays & public holidays. So often it was only when we were faced with the reality of losing something that we had all along taken granted for (such as spending time with family and friends) that we learn to cherish them more.
Wishing all Abundant Blessings from our Most High God! Happy CNY in advance!
Whee Ling
Last Sunday was David’s birthday. How we celebrated his birthday was something we would find difficult to envisage just a year ago. If you recall, He was hospitalized on his birthday for fever and infection last year. In fact almost every public holiday last year was spent in the hospital as he was admitted almost every month.
The ordeal he had to go through last year made me so truly grateful to the Lord for His great mercies & grace He is showing David and our family this year.
2007 is a year of new beginnings! As David shared, a lot of firsts – Joshua’s first day of school, David’s new involvement in the school’s parents support group and the very first time we successfully gave David a surprise birthday party.
Last Fri, as I was pondering what would be the best birthday gift for David, what would most pleased his heart - it seemed to be none other than spending time with people he cares for (being a people person). So, I decided to arrange a surprise party the next day with the help of some of his ex-G12 guys and their wives (those whose e-mail addresses were readily available). We tried to arrange a similar surprise party 3 years ago (before his diagnosis and when he was still mentoring his G12) but the “surprise” was not successful because Joshua (then 3+ years old) was so excited that after his afternoon nap he thought it was the next day and that the party was over thereby letting the cat out of the bag.
Well, this year – not only David had fun, we all had fun. He was so shocked it was actually very funny. All it took was an e-mail and these dear people avail themselves to “conspire with me” on this “secret mission”. 8 of them turned up and Cheryl even brought her 6 months baby girl who was our youngest “accomplice” – she was adorable and very co-operative!
I am really touched with how they made an effort to bless David despite the short notice. The plan was for them to be “planted” in our home while we were out for dinner and surprise him when we are back. It would have gone more smoothly if I did not forget to bring my mobile phone along (I wanted to kick myself if I could). I was so anxious and felt so handicapped without my mobile phone and yet trying very hard not to show my anxiety. Felt truly apologetic towards them for the inconvenience they have to put up with – waiting up to almost 2 hours in darkness, looking at every car that entered our carpark. They brought along cake, fruit basket, fun, laughter and most important of all - the precious prayers to bless David. I am sure he felt so loved! I did. Their presence and fellowship is God’s precious gifts to us. Their love is an expression of the greater love of God.
It is indeed Our Heavenly Father’s goodness and mercy that we are able to celebrate birthdays & public holidays. So often it was only when we were faced with the reality of losing something that we had all along taken granted for (such as spending time with family and friends) that we learn to cherish them more.
Wishing all Abundant Blessings from our Most High God! Happy CNY in advance!
Whee Ling
