My Mom and her fight with CKD

It was a year ago when I loss my Mom because of Chronic Kidney Disease. She had her dialysis for almost 3 years and complications came in, in her lungs and heart. In the year 2012, she was diagnosed with a kidney problem and some maintenance medicines were prescribed of which she diligently took, she had also her regular check-up with a nephrologist. Things did not get better, in 2017 she started her dialysis and we still had her for almost 3 years until she "retired" in the year 2020 due to Hypovolemic Shock antecedent to Severe Dehydration with an underlying cause of End Stage Renal Disease.

As I look back through the almost 33 years we've been together I always remember how loving, patient, industrious and understanding my mother was. When, we were still young, she do labor jobs such as harvesting Marang, Rambutan by climbing tall trees, house gardening (we call it "hurnal"). Until she was supported by her sisters and brothers to finish her education degree. I thought that after her graduation and passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) things will be different but plantilla positions for teachers became scarce that time and she had to think of ways on how to earn money to support our studies. That's the time that she cook and sell kakanin - bibingka, suman, puto, even in special events/seminars of teachers she was present, not as attendee but as a vendor.Yet, I did not saw her complain but patiently wait for her time to come - and finally in 2004, she got a plantilla position as Teacher 1.

We did not expect that she will have a CKD in her early 50's because in her younger days, she looks and feels strong and healthy. During the time of her dialysis and emergency hospitalizations, the testimony of God's provision and grace was always there. The Lord used different people, of whom some we do not personally know to help us in the financial side of her medication. With that, we are so grateful and thankful to the Lord. for being faithful in his promises of supplying our need through Christ Jesus.

Her sickness is not a curse but a blessing to us. Amidst it, she was able to sustain the positive spirit and surpass each day of trial. With it, my father was able to take care of her, our family ties became stronger as we fight together against her sickness. As much as we wanted to have her physically alive, being with the Lord is far more better than seeing her suffer the pain and has difficulty of breathing. To a place where there is no more sickness, pain, sadness- the Lord's promise of heaven to those who receive Jesus Christ as personal savior. My mom finally rested from the pain of needles inserted every dialysis, she finally rested from almost monthly hospitalization, she finally rested from all the struggles of life.

She may not be with us now, but her memories will always be forever with us. To those who still have their moms in their side, show them your love , care and respect. Let them feel their value before its too late.

To my mom in heaven, I love you and thank you so much for teaching me how to be a mother to my children now.