"Only Hope"

I ordered some music scores sheets via online for Amanda. One of the songs was "Only Hope" sung by Mandy Moore from the Movie "A walk to remember". We both fell in love with this song after I watched the movie and Amanda "listened". That was the time when I stayed at home with Amanda after her cornea transplant.

Today, Amanda played the first part of the song on the piano and with the chords too. She has managed to learn it in 2 weeks with the help of Ms Dewi. It is a difficult song (6 pages) and definitely not for someone without a piano grade. I am very pleased that Amanda is a fast learner! I can't wait for her to learn the whole song so that she could play for me.

Next, I hope that Amanda will learn "Annie's song" sung by the late John Denver. It's one of my favourite songs and Alvin's too.

Talk at Alexander Hospital

This afternoon, Amanda and I attended a talk at the Alexander Hospital. The talk was targeted for people who has some form of visual impairment. The speakers were Associate Professor Au Eong from Alexander Hospital, and Dr Wong of NIE, who is visually impaired himself.

At first, I got the impression that it was a sharing session for the young VH people. I wasn't disappointed. The talk was OK but what was interesting was the people I met. In particular,Sophie's mother, Lay Hong. We clique right away, partly because we were both in a similar situation. Then, we talked about forming a parent support group. We exchanged e-mail addresses and telephone numbers so that we can stay in touch.

I admired Dr Wong for his resilience and despite his handicap, he was able to lead a fulfilling life. He has a PhD and he is very good at IT. He is also a competitive swimmer. I've told Amanda that she could learn a lot from him.

Body combat exercise

I attended body combat class yesterday with my colleagues at Planet Fitness. I really enjoyed it. I have not been exercising regularly and it feels so good to sweat it all out. Helps me to release work stress! Thank God I could leave office early yesterday.

Today, my whole upper body is aching! Especially the shoulders and abdomen. Luckily, today is a public holiday, Good Friday. So I have the long weekend to recuperate!

Spa treat

On Sat, 16/3/08, Maureen and I treated ourselves to a body scrub/massage treatment. The spa centre was located at the Bt Batok Civil Service Club. Both of us thoroughly enjoyed it so much. We liked the ambience and not to mention, the cooling dessert was also very tasty.

In the end, we both signed up and shared a package deal. So now, each of us can look forward to another 3 body massages and 1 chocolate wrap each.

Our next sisters' outing will be on Sat, 12 April. We will be doing foot reflexology treatment at Sun Plaza Shopping Mall, Sembawang. Foot reflexology vouchers were Christmas presents from Big sister!

11th March, Matthew's Birthday

Tuesday, 11th March was a really busy for all of us.

In the morning, I went to Gleneagles Medical Centre for my breast check-up. This was my second visit there. Thank God, my check-up was OK but Doctor wants to monitor me closely. So my next check-up will be in 4 months' time.

After that, I took a slow walk down to Camden Medical Centre. Amanda's doctor appointment was at 11am. I met Alvin and Amanda at the clinic. Amanda's eye check-up went well too. Same thing, Doctor needs to monitor Amanda closely. Her next check-up will be another 2 weeks' time.

On his way back to work, Alvin dropped us off at Lot 1 Shopping Mall. We had lunch there and went shopping for clothes. We also bought a small chocolate cake for Matt. Today happens to be his 10th birthday!

The same afternoon, Amanda sat for her Grade 1 Piano Exam. As we couldn't contact Alvin, we took a taxi there. We were caught in the rain and our clothes were all drenched when we arrived at the music shool. A few minutes later, Alvin arrived.

Amanda was so nervous that she made some silly mistakes. Afterwards, she called Ms Dewi, her piano teacher to complain. Hopefully, Amanda will pass the piano exam. The results will be out in one month's time.

That evening we went to Causeway Point Shopping Mall. To celebrate Matt's birthday we had dinner at Jack's place followed by an ice cream treat at Swensens. We all ate too much. I could see that Ah Ma enjoyed the food too as I have not seen her ate so much!

Back home, Matt made his birthday wish before he blew out the big candle on the birthday cake!

Visitors

Today, we had some visitors. First, Ms Dewi who is Amanda's piano teacher came around 10.15am. Ms Dewi was here to give make up lesson and to prepare Amanda for the coming exam on Tue, 11/3/08.

Then, Auntie Jean, Uncle Larry and Bao Li came in the afternoon. I cooked a simple lunch for all.

Auntie Jean gave Matt his birthday present in advance. She also bought him a birthday cake. Amanda also got something from Auntie Jean and Uncle Larry - a generous hongbao to buy tonics to build up her health for speedy recovery.


Next, Auntie Maureen dropped Ah Ma at our home. Ah Ma will be staying with us for 2 weeks to help care for Amanda when I go back to work next week.

We are very blessed to have family members who cares for us. Amanda is so fortunate to have an aunt, uncle and cousin who loves her very much.

Amanda's Life Story

Amanda was inspired by the stories she read in the Reader's Digest. So she wanted to write her own life story. The prize money of US$500 is a motivation, plus she wanted to know if her writing skills were good enough to get her story published.

Encouraged by Mrs Veeran and I, Amanda said she would give it a try. Mrs Veeran said that Amanda's story will be an inspiration to others to have courage and strength to face any challenges. She might even help Amanda get her story published in AI school magazine first!

All these years, I have kept records of all the operations that Amanda went through since she was a baby. She had her first operation done when she was 6 months old. As I read out the medical history it brought back some sad memories. Those were the most traumatic and difficult times of my entire life. I can still recall that scene when Amanda was wheeled out of the OT. When I saw my baby crying, I broke down and cried too.

I have often asked God the question "why"? Why did my child has to go through so much sufferings? Yet, Amanda didn't blame God or anyone. She has been so strong and she has so much faith in God.

I really hope that Amanda will write her story, and hopefully, get it published in Reader's Digest one day.

Amanda's check up today

Amanda's eye bandage was removed today. The doctor asked Amanda if she could see better. Her reply was that everything looks brighter. For example, her jelly shoes suddenly looked so bright red. I think she could see images sharper than before. This was definitely good news.

I was so glad to be at home. In the last 2 days, I have cooked lunch and dinner for the kids.

I have been so busy at work and always coming home late in the last 2 months. I felt guilty that I have neglected my kids. So now is the time for me to catch up and spend time bonding with them.

Cornea transplant surgery

We arrived at Mt Alvernia Hospital at 6.00am. After doing the admission, we followed the nurse to St Clare Ward, room 24C. Amanda changed into the hospital gown and waited till it was time to go to the OT.

Everything happened so fast. Before we know it, the surgery was over after about 1.5 hours. Alvin and I spoke to the doctor as he came out of the OT. He told us that the surgery went well, and he will check on Amanda tomorrow.

Amanda slept throughout the day (effects of the drug). She woke up to drink water, have her meals, and go to the toilet. As her eye was bandaged, she couldn't see anything. She was really brave and didn't cry or complained at all.

Alvin went home to fetch Matt. They came around lunch time and kept Amanda company for a while.

As it was a 4 bedded ward, I couldn't stay with Amanda. Besides, I was very tired and I needed a shower too. However, I promised to keep Amanda company till she falls asleep, and come back first thing tomorrow.

Alvin and I left the hospital around 11pm.