Lessons of Life

Learning is Eternal

I like to hear stories from my girls. Some stories are ridiculous, others funny , still others nonsensical. But I still listen for I intend to treasure moments with them; that in the process of sharing, I get to read them better. You see them change in maturity, thoughts and attitudes as they mingle with new people and in a new work environment. You wonder at times if you have lost them; or is it true that we as adults need to transform ourselves to accommodate and be more acceptable by them.

One thing I am sure and believe is that experiences in life are the best teachers for them. As a mother, I can only pray for God's special protection and mercy on them; that they need not be put under situations that are beyond them.

Today, as I walked into the house from school, with tears in her eyes, Esther said: " Mama, Audrey gave birth to a boy." Who's Audrey? I asked. "Oh mama, have you forgotten?" Oh you mean that Timothy guy's wife? I have heard of this popular couple since 4 - 5 years ago; which blogger has not heard of Timothy Tiah and his wife? I am most interested in their love story as they are contemporaries of my children and their friends. I must confess I actually was an ardent follower of their blogs. Their stories are funny and sincere.
Esther insisted that I read the letter written by Tim to his dear wife when she was struggling to preserve her baby as she underwent pre edampsia; a medical condition where the mother suffers from severe high blood pressure and when it is best that the baby be delivered in the fastest possible time. But what does a mother and father do when the baby is also pre matured? The first loving decision; to be a rock for each other; to stand by each other under taxing circumstances. This is experiential; not theoretical.

Tim expressed how lost and painful it was to see his dear wife suffer; it takes a man to realise that the woman was undergoing so much to preserve his son; that her love for him and the unborn child is real. This love is proven for him. Now, he must remember this for life; that his dear wife was willing to do anything for him and that no prenuptial agreement is necessary for this marriage.

As I read on, ...no amount of money, no amount of time I spent with you, no amount of research and no amount of medical care could make this situation any better... a desperate cry from the big man who at one point could almost control every blogger's interest is now in destitute. So true. It is good to know that we can face situations that no amount of money we have can change a situation. It keeps us humble and human. Tim must have prayed? I would. Divine help is hope in action. We need that to go through the ups and downs of life. Now both of them know nothing can be taken for granted.

Mr. Tiah cried from his heart. Have you heard a man cry? I think real men do cry. The agony of fear and seeing his wife and child fighting their lives for each other. So appropriate that they nick-named the child; "Fighter". He is made a fighter from day one. So  be careful how you name your child! So cry if you have to. It does not make you a lesser male.

At first, he thought walking away to work is alright. That when he came back a few hours later, the problem would be solved by itself. We do that sometimes, don't we? When the challenge seems insurmountable, you just disappear for a while and let the other concerned parties go through them without you. But Tim is brave in not running away; he returned to his dear wife and decided to go through the ordeal together; no running away. A lesson that we learn; we take the good, the bad and the ugly of life together. He could not bring himself to allow his wife to suffer alone. But how much can you tell about birth pangs to a man? He will never have to go through them. For that, all men must love their wives for they have made them fathers of children. It is really great to be called 'dad'. Believe me.

The months of carrying the child and the last few weeks of intense pressure and tension have caused both Tim and Audrey to rely on each other; nothing now tells them otherwise. That Audrey would take risks that may threaten her life to give her husband a child is commendable; let Fighter be a reminder of this bond. Tim is fortunate to have her as a spouse.All proven. So love your dear wife.

All's well that ends well. I am indeed glad to hear of a safe delivery and I hope all the medical help and expertise available will pull all of them through this time.

Congratulations to the couple and a special pat for Fighter for living up to his reputation.

Thank you for the lovely lessons learnt through both your experiences and take care.

This is a special clip of both their love for each other and proven well.

Enjoy.