Monday, September 8, 2008

Unseen Yet Felt (Mang Roger's Road to Recovery)

Almost two weeks ago, our beloved Karis custodian, Mang Roger Demetriou suffered a stroke while overseeing and helping another guest group in Karis.
Thankfully, there were around 3 doctors in the group who offered immediate help and rushed Mang Roger to the hospital.
And all of this happened when our family was 7,000 miles away.
Last week, he was discharged from the ICU, albeit somewhat active, responsive, recovering and slightly talkative (bordering on makulit with no hair dye).
During our visits, we would see him resting, sleeping, wide-awake, conscious and, despite being in a hospital bed, even showed concerned about Karis (to the point, he inquired kamusta na ba ang LD? Ang Onfire? Maayos na ba ang Educhild? Sino ang nagpapakain sa kanyang mga isda?).
He would also tease the nurses in the ICU (Miss, mukhang na-iinlove na ako sa yo... flirt talaga, pag di nakabantay si misis...di friendly lang)
and would show signs of agitation and restlessness.
But despite that, Mang Roger continued to be a kind, consoling and gentle soul.
A friend whom i spoke to and entrusted not just the concerns of the retreat house, but who deeply cared of all.
A family member whose smile and generosity never ceases to amaze me, whose care and concern goes above and beyond what is expected.
A companion along our journey and so many others who have been with us trying to pause and take a step back.
Mang Roger has been the face of welcome, care and service for us.
All of us are welcome in Karis, have one time or another, experienced Mang Roger's warmth, hospitality and genuine concern.
Despite such a diminishing reality, there is a bigger reality that we can acknowledge which is unseen but felt deep within.
Its not merely about negating and being uncomfortable about the painful and ardous process that Mang Roger has to go through in order to get well, the adjustments that our family has to go through, the minor inconveniences and being "comfortable" with what i've been used to and not used to seeing Mang Roger's happy face when we arrive before every one else does. (Actually, he looks good, normal and cheery, no signs of a stroke)
The hidden and silent reality that is unseen but felt deep within.
Our family too has been experiencing (and continuous to experience) the outpouring of concern and help at this time.
Personally, i have received and experienced "grace" which was undeserved yet fills with gratitude last LD weekend from many so unsuspecting yet nevertheless comforting companions.
As Mang Roger embarks on a new road of physical healing, rehabilitation and recovery, we patiently and full of hope go and accompany him along with the prayers & kind thoughts of many of us whom he's touched, silently witnessing the reality that is unseen but felt.
Our gratitude to those who expressed (and continue to express) concern regarding Mang Roger and may we all be consoling and travelling mercies to each other in our various journeys.
Superthanks.
P.S. Our gratitude for prayers and concern for Mang Roger, we would like to ask for further prayers and support of any kind (ex. whether a referral for a good and reasonably priced therapist in cavite or tagaytay or financial support for his family,etc... ) during Mang Roger's road to recovery. We will also keep you posted for any organized activity for the benefit of Mang Roger's recovery & rehabilitation.
Thanks & God bless.