Storm Arlene

Today, as usual, we visited dad from 9am to 10am. He looked good and his swelling has gone down a little. There is supposed to be a tropical storm today in the afternoon. A lot of americans have stocked up and most advised to stay indoors. So, when we went to visit dad, we told him about the storm called "Arlene" and that if the storm is too big, we might not be able to visit him tonight.

After our visit,we went to Asian Market as mum has not been to it before as last week, she still depended on wheelchair to move about and so, she did not go. She told us that she wanted to take a look but in the end, she spent about US$30 there!! She bought lots of asian vegs, thai/vietnamese style breakfast, guava etc.

After that, we went back and prepared lunch. Had western lunch today. I made lagsana yesterday (my first time making it), so, I put it in the oven to heat it up and make the cheese crispier. After placing in the oven, I went to play computer games and watch TV until I forgot!! Suddenly, mum mentioned about it and I rushed to the oven and off it. I was too engrossed in my game that I forgot all about it. No smell somemore, so I cannot remember. The lagsana was not burnt as I used a special ware that prevents it from burning,but it was slightly drier. Still tasted good. CT and my bro ate a lot. Mum made salad. And I added a cream of mushroom soup. It was a nice and light lunch.

After lunch, we watched a new Chinese series of VCD. My bro bought for me and brought it over. It was quite comical. After watching, we took a look at the weather and it was not raining heavily but just drizzle and windy. So, we went to catch a movie. Had to do many things before my family goes back. We catched the show, "Mr and Mrs Smith" starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie(dunno spelling). It is slightly entertaining. Not as good as I thought. But I guess it was nice esp when the whole family watches together. So, it does not really matter. It was still enjoyable. It costs US$4.50 to watch. That is about S$7. Heard Singapore raised the movie price.

After movie, it was raining and very windy..but not as bad as we thought it would be. Anyway, we went home and freshened up before going out for a chinese dinner buffet nearby. There were fresh oysters, beef bulgogi,snow crabs, fresh sushi and many many others...all for the price of US$10. Very cheap. Got ice cream also. Bro ate so much!! He was eating mountain of meat and huge bowl of ice cream.

After a full dinner, we went to visit dad. Tonight, I had the chance to talk to dad one on one as the rest went to talk to the nurses regarding insurance and the arrangements. So, I was alone with dad for quite a while and we talked. He said he is glad I am ok. That made me feel very uneasy as I told him, I wish I was the one who is on bed now instead of him as he took the blow for me. My dad said no. Mum overheard and said, they will all feel more bad if I were the one who got hit since I am young and have a bright future ahead. Sigh. I was touched to see how loving my dad is and how peaceful he looks.

He told me his whole body hurts..it is aching badly as he has been on bed for 2 over weeks. I asked him what can he remember about the accident. He remembers trying to reverse the car but he cannot remember anything after that as he told me he was knocked unconscious. I told him that I first saw him unconscious and I told dad that I thought he is dead. So, I told him everything I saw and felt. It was nice talking to dad as he is so strong and still so encouraging to me in this time.

Dad suddenly told me he had diffifulty breathing. Initially, I told him that it was normal as his lung is bruised. SO, it takes time to build up his lungs again. However, he told me to tell the nurse. SO, I went and the nurse sucked up a lot of stuff from his throat that is preventing him from breathing properly. Glad he felt better..

I told dad how disappointed mum was with the storm. It was a big hoo ha regarding the storm such that mum went to buy so many vegs. Then in the end, it was rain and wind but not that bad. I told dad how kan cheong mum is. Haha...he just shake his head and smiled. Even the nurses tonight told us that they were disappointed to. They brought a lot of food and wanted to have a storm party. Haha..

Oh, during our visit, we met this couple whose daughter was involved in a car accident and was in coma. Doctors told them that there is no hope, but tonight, the daughter opened her eyes slightly. When we told dad, he said,"Pray for her." That is how strong dad is. So, before we left, we prayed for dad and the girl (who is only 16 years old).Dad told us to find out her name so that he can also pray for her...as dad told me that he can only pray in bed since he cannot move. So as we were leaving, we saw the dad and he told us that he is a pastor. He was telling us that he does not know how to go through this without Christ...as with Christ, we have no fear but peace. SO, it was encouraging to hear him as mum also encouraged him that we will be praying for his daughter, called Ashley (easy to remember). The guy also told us that he will visit my dad soon to pray with him as well.

IT is wonderful to know that despite cultural differences, we have the same heavenly Father and there is just no barrier or differences anymore as we are part of family.