I’m back in Penang and this picture below was posted on my blog about two weeks ago. I’d just spent some time with my dad in downtown Penang road and this was a photo of me and my dad. I can’t remember when was the last time I had a photo taken with my dad, it must be decades ago.. but this photo with him was taken two weeks ago.
My father or Steve, as he is known, is now lying in a hospital in Penang being plugged into a life support machine, unconscious and barely fighting for his life after suffering 3 minor strokes.. I ‘flew’ my car up here in 3 hrs plus, went straight into the CCU and stared right into his lifeless body.. so many thoughts ran through my mind.. is he going to wake up? is he going to recover? can he hear me? does he know i’m here? can he feel my hand touching his shoulder and arm?
My dad.. I love him very much.. and it broke my heart to see him like that just now. I couldn’t help myself and cried. I told him, you have to wake up, I don’t want you to die.., you have to wake up and recover.., as tears rolled down my face..
Being a photojournalist most of my life, I felt compelled to document this moment, as I have documented many moments before in the past.. I plan to sneak my camera into the hospital tomorrow and photograph my dad in this state of rest..
To everyone who is praying for him and my family, I thank you all for your support. I pray my dad will recover and be himself again. I miss him already.
It was just two weeks ago I had a drink with him at Sup Hameed on Penang road…
—-Update—-12 October—
Photography is my means of communication and here is a photo of my dad lying in the ICU… I’m better today, and hoping for the best, thinking positive. My dad is going to recover.
Tomorrow the doctor will try attempt to remove the life support machine to see if he can breathe by himself again. A virus has been attacking his brain which has caused him to lose control of his body. His condition is ‘stable.’ I see some positive signs. I’m sure he will be able to sustain himself tomorrow. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.
May God watch over my dad..
—Update—13 October—10.15am—
My dad’s condition is called ADEM – read about it in wikipedia and here. It is a type of encephalitis.
Chun Chung
You have my prayers. Please take care man.
Oct 12, 2008 @ 1:51 am
hengcm
We’ll pray for your dad, get well soon.
Oct 12, 2008 @ 6:51 am
John K
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jimin.
Oct 12, 2008 @ 11:07 am
Alvin
Our prayers are with you… do take care of yourself as well
Oct 12, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
Tim
In spite of your dad being in silence, I’m sure he knows he is much loved by u. And I’m sure he is super proud of u. He will always be guided. Will keep him and u in prayers….Take care….
Oct 12, 2008 @ 11:47 pm
KW Lai
JL,
May he be well and happy…I know he sure loves you more than anybody else, and moreover he met you back after a lengthy time…he is a happy guy now. Take care and I pray for your dad speedy recovery…
Oct 13, 2008 @ 8:11 am
lezley
Cherish the moment with him even just holding his hands…….May God bless him with strength to overcome this.
Oct 13, 2008 @ 8:53 am
tania Reed
Hi, I dont know if you still have this blog. I have my dad in a comma and I wish if you can share with me how is your dad doing right now (November 2010) did he wake up?
Nov 24, 2010 @ 5:28 am