“God, can you stop taking everyone I love away from me?” Karen Tang recalled praying this on the morning of 13 November 2021, after learning that her 75-year-old mother, Lilian, critically ill from a Covid-induced heart attack, had suffered another attack while in the hospital.
The 43-year-old described facing the possible loss of her mother as her “biggest nightmare”, having already lost three family members in 20 months: her father, her sister and her grandmother.
It all started after Lilian recovered from Covid-19 on 24 October 2021. “The very next day, my mum’s workplace called, saying she looked ‘as white as a sheet’. I told them to call an ambulance and send her to A&E right away,” Karen shared. While waiting to be admitted, Lilian was put on oxygen support due to breathing difficulties.
Two days later, with her oxygen level dangerously low, Lilian was intubated. That same day, she suffered a heart attack, which doctors said was likely due to Covid-19. Despite oxygen support, Lilian required sedation.
“While in the ICU, my mum caught pneumonia and suffered a stroke. An MRI revealed a blood clot and bleeding in her right brain,” recalled Karen. “The doctors said she could pass away anytime. I was distraught and prayed to the Lord not to take my mum because she is all I have left.”
On 30 October, Lilian’s condition worsened, and she was placed on the dangerously ill list.
“The Lord impressed three songs on my heart when my mum was in the ICU: ‘I Am The God That Healeth Thee’, ‘God Will Make a Way’, and ‘Give Thanks’. I wondered how I could give thanks to God while my mum was still in the ICU,” Karen shared.
Two weeks later, her mum, due for a tracheostomy, suffered a second heart attack. “I was devastated,” Karen said. “Nonetheless, I decided to entrust my mum to Jesus and kept reminding myself to believe in miracles and Jesus’ healing power.”
That day at the hospital, Karen asked her mum three questions: “Do you believe Jesus will heal you?” Lilian nodded. “Do you believe Jesus will get you out of here?” She nodded again. “Do you believe you will go back to work?” She nodded a third time.
The next day, Karen learned her mum had not suffered any heart damage. “A nurse said she was the only patient to survive two weeks in the ICU,” shared Karen. “God pulled her from death’s jaws.”
From there, Lilian embarked on the fast track towards recovery, and was discharged on 24 December.
God’s healing power was evident in subsequent health tests. In March 2022, a coronary angiogram showed no heart blockages, and appointments with her neurologist and physiotherapist confirmed she had recovered.
“The neurologist decided to release her after reviewing her CT scans from the ICU and post-discharge. The post-discharge scan showed the blood clot had dissolved,” shared Karen.
“He said he had never seen such a rapid recovery from a stroke; it was as if the stroke never happened! My mum returned to work after two months, and the physiotherapist noted her recovery was exceptionally fast compared to typical stroke patients, who usually take years to recover even with rehab.”
Unknowingly, Lilian was entering a second ordeal.
After being replaced at her former job, Lilian found a six-month position elsewhere. However, her subsequent job search turned futile, forcing her into retirement.
Once kept occupied by work, Lilian now felt overwhelmed by grief, hopelessness and inadequacy.
“I spent most of my time at home feeling useless and life seemed meaningless,” recounted Lilian. “I cried often, missing my late husband and elder daughter, and felt very down all the time.”
Karen, who lives with her mum, noticed she was “showing signs of depression and becoming very clingy and emotionally needy”.
It was then that her sister’s friend from Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church recommended visiting MWS Active Ageing Centre – Teck Ghee Vista. There, Lilian discovered joy and purpose in an array of activities like sewing, colouring and exercise programmes.
Despite her health setback, Lilian has made progress in regaining strength. “After being discharged from the hospital, I was very weak and needed a wheelchair. Thanks to daily exercises at the Centre, I can now stand up on my own and don’t tire as easily. While I still use a walking aid, my strength and confidence have improved,” she said.
Over time, Karen noticed her mother becoming happier and dwelling less on her bereavement. “That helps me stay positive too,” she said. “Despite feeling the loneliness after our losses, the Centre has been instrumental in easing my mum’s pain.”
These days, Lilian’s life is filled with purpose and fulfilment. “Since joining the Centre, I feel more alert and energised with a variety of activities filling my days,” she shared. “I have something to look forward to each morning, and my life has meaning again.”
Karen expressed gratitude, saying, “I thank God for this Centre; it has truly supported my mum and given her a new lease of life.”
This article first appeared in Methodist Message produced by The Methodist Church in Singapore.
