No doubt, this has been a very stressful, painful, and challenging time for us. Yet, I must say, God continues to show us His favor. When I had to go to the rehab hospital, we were very concerned about the emotional and psychological impact on our young children. However, God has a way of making even bad things turn out right. Before the stroke, Micah was painfully shy and terrified of new people. Now, he loves staying with his favorite babysitters when Mom and Dad have to go out. He is much more open to meeting new people. One of the proudest moments I had as a dad was when he told our neighbor, “Don’t worry about your ouchies, we will pray for you and Jesus will make you better.” I love that kid! But unexpectedly, I’ve also been blessed recently by my daughter.
Josephine Elizabeth Leung was born with colic. Very early on, she only wanted to be held by Mommy. Since she was blessed with very powerful lungs, everyone else new her preference as well! As she grew, she became fiercely independent. She had a natural charisma and did not hesitate to use it to make others conform to her will. All of the older boys in her class were terrified of her, and she even had the teachers and workers bowing to her every whim. Armed with the ability to cry on command and the temper of Genghis Khan, I had no idea how to control this tornado in pink. Honestly, I didn’t feel as close to her as to Micah, since she never let me hold her, only Mommy. How would something as traumatic as my stroke affect my little girl?
Praise God, it actually served to soften her. Even her attitude toward Mommy became a little different. She didn’t have so much of a vehement rage, demanding her will, but now she had a vulnerability about her. She actually cried when she had to be apart from me! Lately, she has been content to sit in my arms when drinking her morning milk. One day, seeing his little sister content in my arms, my boy crawled up onto my bed and joined us. I felt as if God Himself was pouring out His love upon me. For that moment, I was the richest man in the world!
A couple of days ago, Jojo fell ill with a fever. As always, it was a terrible ordeal with vomit, crying, and sleepless nights. My poor wife was worn to a frazzle. But then in the morning, Josephine did something very much unlike her. She woke up, walked drowsily toward me, and crawled up into my arms. Now, the stroke had left my shoulder and arm a tangled, cramping mess. I admit, it caused me much pain to lift her up, but it was worth every bit of it. I transferred her to my good right arm, held her close, and whispered a prayer of Thanksgiving. My fiery, autonomist daughter wanted my comfort and closeness. Thank you Jesus for doing what I could never do!
The Bible says that children are a blessing from the Lord, that they are like arrows in an archer’s quiver (Psalm 127:3-5). My prayer is that someday my family and I will minister together. Originally, I thought we could be a worship team, traveling internationally. Now, my dream will take a miracle – but I am hopeful. Please pray that God uses us in some way, shape, or form, to bless many people worldwide. For now, I have to focus on my recovery and the love and discipline of my children. Since parenting is a job that even most able-bodied men find daunting, please pray that God will do what I cannot, and give me the strength and love to do what I can – by His power. Let me close with these well-known verses:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Thank you so much for your continued love, support, and prayers – they are our lifeline. God bless you.