John-hoo

"I wan"

2012-01-30T21:59:00.001+08:00

It's after dinner and John is looking around for his ipad. He'll play for half an hour before he washes up in the evening. Usually i'm there to help him but i'm holding the video camera; so it's interesting to see his response and ask for help.
I wanted him to say 'on'(trying to get him to pronounce something different) but he said 'i want' twice. It's relatively clear communication so i gave in; one thing i realise is that an upset person cannot communicate properly so i'll just have to work it another day.
We've been relatively busy begining of this year, went to Penang to visit prayer partners, celebrated CNY visiting relatives and had a holiday in Cameron Highlands. That's why we had a break from blogging. Besides the video-cam needed servicing!

Break_from posting

2012-01-29T22:21:00.001+08:00

Click anywhere in the "aquarium" :)

Story time

2011-12-26T17:13:00.000+08:00

A story either from a book or from one's imagination (like during grandma's time) can be a delight. It fires one's imagination; allow us to go on a journey in our minds. Here Aunty Choon Heah is telling John a story about the hungry mosquito.
She also tells stories about flies,ants,cockroaches and lizards. Interesting right?

That's a photo of John and his sisters at Pavilion K.L. We also 'met' some international bears with the motto 'Respect for all life'. It's great to be with family and friends during Christmas, knowing you're loved and accepted for being you.
We also remember with gratitude the greatest gift of all i.e. God sending His own beloved Son, Jesus, to walk, talk and pave the way to God for us.
<3

Swimming on wheels 2.0

2011-12-06T17:45:00.001+08:00

This is John swimming on wheels again. Look no assistance! In his earlier attempts (24/6/2010) he need to be thought how to press into the floor and move the arms. Often he would press too lightly and when he moves the arms, he 'slips' or he would press too hard and 'forgets' to move thus raising his upper body. However this time he's figured it out. Helping him to figure how to work and use his body parts is basically therapy work and we do it everyday.

God has given us a wonderful body. Discovering that our brain controls so many part of our physical mechanism causes us to worship him. To know that soul and spirit is also infused into a human being is just phenomenal. To you reading this, please treasure what you have. God Bless! !

John feeding himself

2011-11-03T22:15:00.000+08:00

We've been working on John's living skills since his hospital ward days in Seremban(Nov 2008). John was tube feed then, but he would dislodge the tube occasionally. Needless to say we panic, but the rehab doctors encourage us to take away the tube and feed him orally. We started with mushy baby-like food and progressed on to a slice of papaya. It took him an hour to chew and swallow the papaya but he was quite determine about it.
We had hope that he would feed himself within a year but it took him 3 years to get it. Nevertheless we're thankful he finally got it.
We stopped reducing his seizure medicine (Trileptal 300) cos we saw an occasional seizure when he's tired. He still goes for 6 sessions of 1 hour acupunture with herbal medication per week.
Thanks to all who've been praying for John. Personally prayer has helped me cope with John's recovery because often I find that it's best to prayer and leave the burden of results to God. Surely Jesus loves him more than I do!

Happy 13th Birthday John!

2011-09-24T15:07:00.000+08:00

We celebrated John's 13th birthday with a chocolate cotton cheesecake last week. It's also about the same time as his near drown episode. He near drowned on 28.9.08. It's a time when my emotions is little chaotic. We're so happy to have John 'back from the dead'; to be able to hug him, talk to him, laugh with him are priceless to us. And yet helping him to acquire living skills seem so far off for us.
How we wish God would heal him instantly thereby putting aside our fears for the future.

However like every Christian, we live by faith. Faith in a God who loves us so much as to die for us. Surely we can trust Him to guide us in this rocky, uncomfortable path we're traveling on. To believe that John's near drown is in his sovereign plan for his life as well as ours is painful as well as comforting. Painful cos there's a sense of helplessness but comforting cos we believe in the Almighty God; and it's better to let Him lead the way than for us to stumble all over and miss eternal life.

Targeting mom

2011-08-22T16:31:00.000+08:00

Here you see John trying to hit me with a bean bag. His got a strong arm but it's skill and focus that we need to work on. Often we try to make it fun so as to keep his interest. Ever since his near drown his friends are people much older than him. Much as he has problem communicating; friends his age would also have problem communicating themselves after all they just turn teens.
It's easy for us to relate to him as he has a very friendly personality towards those near to him, something that we're very thankful for.

My new toys

2011-08-05T09:20:00.033+08:00

Above- John playing his ipad game. It's "A monster ate my homework". It's not easy trying to find a game for him cos his vision is not that good. Angry birds would be impossible for him at the moment. Any suggestions? Initially he was just happy to be able to hit the monster down but now he's hesitant cos he doesn't want to lose his homework! The next one you see John holding a hand grip. He exercises by holding on to it for 30 sec. We make sure his elbow is rested on the table so that it'll help him identify his hand muscle. His fine motor skill like colouring and drawing are not there yet. It would seem like he has endless therapies; but boys his age would have their fair share of homework and tuition too. Working at something new or different is always challenging but it always builds character. A good character is invaluable in any person.
Sorry there's no video clips lately the video camera's being serviced.

My 1st sunglasses

2011-07-04T17:20:00.000+08:00

We've been wanting John to wear sunglasses to protect his eyes for sometime now but we didn't get it cos he didn't seem to want it. Then one day as aunty Dawn and John were passing by a spectacle shop she asked him if he was interested in having one. If he was then he'll have to ask mom. Mom was a little behind. When I arrived, I casually asked what he wanted, he made some grunts and walked into the shop. We asked the salesman to find some suitable ones. John sat there patiently trying on various sunglasses, looking into the mirror and had it adjusted to fit him. Sometimes when a child is not speaking,you wonder if he's got a preference. It's just good to see John this way when we gave him an opportunity to decide he did. The other times he didn't want it, now he does! On the first day he even wore it in the house.

Picking beans

2011-06-11T15:07:00.017+08:00

John is picking red beans. We basically hope to train his eyeball to move and focus without him turning his head too much. One observation I made is that when there is a clutter John finds it difficult to pick out one. Even when feeding himself; too many pieces together, he has difficulty singling one out.

Tea time

2011-05-24T20:04:00.009+08:00

John usually eats fruits during tea time and we've been trying to get him to feed himself. We tried big forks, small forks but nothing really worked until last week when I thought of the disposable party forks. This is the seventh time he's using it and I see improvements daily. We've been wanting him to acquire some living skills and feeding himself is obviously on the list.
We don't know about tomorrow and we can't change yesterday but God has given us today for us to work and enjoy. Often I have to resolute not to think about the tomorrows but to just enjoy John's company and progress today.
Rom 12:12 reads Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. The patient and faithful part I understand; but the joyful part is something Jesus is helping me work out in my life. Thank you for being a faithful prayer partner.

Pushing my punching bag

2011-05-06T21:59:00.005+08:00

We have a punching bag in the middle of our living room so that John can push it around. Initially his left hand was not in sync with the right and he couldn't keep the rhythm. Now his concentration is better he can keep it up to about 50 counts. These are small steps to help him stay focus on what he's doing (the bag can hit back!).
You hear mom talking to him and John responding in his own 'word/sound'. He's still got no speech but there's some understanding so you see him following simple instruction.
To all the mothers and caregivers; "Happy Mother's Day" to you.

Football

2011-04-15T21:18:00.004+08:00

Like most boys John is motor driven; i.e. he likes physical activity more than table work. In the past we tried to teach him to kick a ball; at times by just moving his calf but it was just too laborious so we moved on to try other activities. Previous week we tried football again and this time he surprised us.
I remember when he was in std. 2, he used to play football using an empty 500ml plastic bottle with his friends after school everyday (he'd ask me not to pick him up so punctually after school). After the plastic bottle hit his head several times, he decided that football was not his game and started wanting to play badminton instead. Did ok training under dad, manage to go into his school team too. But guess what. . . . he and some of his friends planned to join school football club in std. 5 cos it was too windy to play badminton outdoors. Since he near drown towards the end of std. 4 he didn't play any football until now. I feel good he's able to kick a football again.

Playing tennis

2011-04-03T17:38:00.009+08:00

John still loves sports like badminton and swimming. We know he loves badminton cause he'll get excited following Lee Chong Wei's game even though he can't play but he's able to swim with arm floats. So the occupational therapist cleverly taught him this and we did something similar at home. It's basically hand eye co-ordination but with a 'racquet'. He gets excited when he's able to hit the moving ball.
We don't know if he'll be able to play badminton again but he's enjoying his 'game' so we'll have fun with it too. I recall how he first chase and hit a big ball in SPICES 11 months ago entitled 'Play ball'; he has progress even though it seems slow. As I learn how to be his therapist at home; I've come to realize that his good attitude towards therapy makes it easier for me and I really thank God for that!
'.

10 green bottles

2011-03-27T21:56:00.004+08:00

Hi everybody. Sorry there's no update for more than a month. HBOT and intensive acupunture kept us very busy indeed. He hardly had time to do much therapy. John's playing computer game, not the usual pokemon game but breaking mom's bottles can be fun especially when she 'reacts'. When he started playing this game he kept tapping the screen to break the bottle but now he waits for the cue in the song to tap the bottle. It's a good start cos as in any game; timing is essential.

Throw ball

2011-02-07T05:56:00.003+08:00

Hi everybody, to our chinese friends; Happy New Year! We've been busy with acupuncture and HBOT; right till chinese new year eve. To make it more drama, John had stomach problems and threw out twice in the afternoon. Of course it had to spread a bit; so Sophia also vomited. Other than that it was a fun chinese year with visitations and angpow and of course food galore!
Here we're trying to get him to stretch his arms up to throw ball. Like everything else we seem to need to teach him the skills again. The good thing is that he's strong and able bodied enough to be taught; so we got our work cut out for us in that sense. It's tiring for us but it's education for him.

Look. . . I'm wireless

2011-01-16T20:03:00.005+08:00

John's latest therapy is acupuncture. See the 6 needles on the head, he has it on for 1 hour and rest 1/2 half (no needles) then has another 1 hour session after that; everyday for the past week. But on weekends he has 3 1hour session with 1/2 hour break in between. On top of that he takes some herbal powder prescribe by the acupuncturist.
It keeps us very busy indeed cos he still has HBOT in the morning at 9.15 am.
To all the Form 1 students especially those from SKTBM hope you'll keep in touch and all the best in your new school.

Plug in Level 5

2010-12-22T21:06:00.006+08:00

2 months ago John work on this toy with difficulty, so we develop an abridged plug in for him to work on. Now we decided to try this again in SPICES; wow what a difference! He knows what he's to do; i.e his eyes knows what to look out for and his arm and hands are more coordinated. It may not mean much to others but it'll make a difference in making him self reliant.
It's Christmas time and coming to the end of the 2010, I'm sure a lot of prayers have gone out to family and friends; some in delight some in distress. Often in distress we wander if our prayers are heard; in Luke 1:13 the angel Gabriel told Zachariah that "your prayer has been heard". It's gladdens my heart to know that the Almighty God listens to what I'm mumbling about.
Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year everybody!
.

Ice-cream potong

2010-12-11T06:47:00.005+08:00

John and grandpa has a common favourite dessert, ice-cream! It would be difficult for john to scoop ice-cream from a cup at the moment so ice-cream potong is just the right thing. The other voice is grandma's (not in video). It's his 1st time eating it on his own.
We had 2 busy weeks i.e end of Nov. and beginning Dec. John had join in the VBC in church and went to Malacca for the 3rd NECIC conference. He enjoyed being with other children in VBC, just hanging around and listen to the chatter and also the worship sessions. The conference was mainly for mom and dad to learn about disability issues; but we also enrolled him in 'class' where there were toys and other children with special needs. Kakak came along to help him in class.

An abridged plug in

2010-11-15T13:00:00.008+08:00

Our previous attempt at getting John to look and plug cylindrical blocks into 25 holes was a bit too difficult for him. So we had to modify it by 1st using a more manageable cylindrical piece and by using only 1 blue bar i.e. 5 holes. After he mastered one we added another and now it's 4.
As with all students building confidence and ability go hand in hand. It was a bit 'sad' having to go from 25 down to 5 holes, but it's obviously the right direction. Next step 25 holes!

Monopoly anybody??

2010-11-02T22:03:00.004+08:00

During the Hari Raya holidays we went to Cameron Highlands. John went for walks and played his favourite board game, Monopoly. He used to play with his grandpa whenever there's opportunity; there he learned his numbers and count his money. Of course the game played here is a simplified version, no buying of property or houses, just throwing the dice for money and trying to avoid paying tax and going to jail. It ends when the banker is bankrupt. He had a really good time and so did we.
Uncle Aaron Tan passed away last Thursday 28.10.10. He often leave encouraging comments on this blog; we'll miss him but we know for certain he's in a better place.

Plug in

2010-10-18T19:06:00.000+08:00

We know that John does not have problem putting small items into a bottle but his eye sight problem is still there as you'll see in the video. As we work with him we see him progress and then there's another 'challenge'; at times it seems endless but commiting it to God makes the challenges workable. Afterall it is Jesus who said "For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matt.11:30).

Chit chat

2010-09-29T06:14:00.004+08:00

John sitting on my lap is a common occurance this past year. I'll usually be talking, asking question, answering it also for him. At first he was just listening (for a long time too), smiling, at times teary then he made grunts and now this past month he made more sounds. This is one of his chatty moments. He's not that chatty everyday.
It's been 2 years since John near drown and we see him progressing slowly, at times heartbreakingly slow but then this is what this blog is for; to record the small steps that we often don't see. As we work we pray, thank you for praying along side with us.
"Great things are done by a series of small things brought together." Vincent van Gogh

Happy 12th Birthday John

2010-09-16T10:59:00.003+08:00

Yesterday we celebrated John's 12th birthday. We're happy to see him blowing his own candle. He couldn't do it last year but he's doing it this year; it's slow progress but it's progress nevertheless and therefore we thank God for his life and the healing that's taking place before our eyes.

Jalur Gemilang

2010-08-31T16:07:00.002+08:00

We're been trying to progress John from palmer crayon to a crayon or a colour pencil. An uncle gave John this set of pencil like crayons, (at the right time too) and I just let him try it out as I'm doing here. So here we are doing the colours of the jalur gemilang; blue, red, yellow and white. Who knows maybe next year he'll be able to do it with the lines. Happy 53rd Merdeka everybody.

Wheelbarrow position

2010-08-17T19:17:00.008+08:00

We're putting John on the wheelbarrow position to get him better 'connected' with his arms. Earlier on we worked on his arms so that he can crawl; now he can crawl but that's doesn't seem enough. His brain needs to wire his arms more throughly so that he can use his hands better; i.e. to feed himself and use a pencil.
Holding John in that position is heavy work but with so many people working with him it makes his journey to recovery a real possibility. I could never imagine how intricate our brains are wired until I had to help John rewire his brain. The amount of repetitive work being done to get the nuerons rewire is a lot. How God can make us in our mother's womb in 9 months is amazing. Surely we are wonderfully made.

Pull ups

2010-07-28T21:09:00.005+08:00

John's hanging on to an almost vertical ladder. The idea is to get him to pull himself up so he's in line with the ladder. It's to help him to strength his arms and also his core abdominal muscle. Building his core strength will help him with overall ability. Many may not realise when we vary his exercises we not only challenge his muscle but his brain as well. So there are times when he's not only physically exhausted but mentally as well. That's when we back off and let him relax. We can't hurry his recovery by more therapy; as it's detrimental to him. Working at God's speed will be good; never hasty nor late.

Bean Bags

2010-07-20T06:34:00.005+08:00

This is another way John co-ordinates his hands and eyes. It's fun play for him. We know he's got strong arms but it lacks ability due to brain injury. We had earlier thought him how to throw and now aiming into the box is next level. He's reminded to lift his arms to throw or he'll compensate by moving forward to drop into the box! It's good that he desires to put the bean bag into the box; shows that he knows the game and he wants to score. His awareness of people and things around him are precious to us and since he still has no speech, it's basically deriving to conclusion through observation.
We also want to send best wishes to all John's friends who'll be taking UPSR this year. I'm sure if he's taking the exam he'll be equally 'stress up' by parents and teachers over the exam; just keep practising, you're sure to surprise yourself.

World Cup 2010

2010-07-08T06:37:00.004+08:00

So what did you do during your school holidays? We visited a Ed & Val; and as you can see the John's having a good time. John has known Timothy and Michelle since they were babies; staying over and playing during long school breaks. They've come over and visit on several occasions but it's the first time John visited them after the accident.
It warms my heart to see John playing with his friends even though he's heavily assisted in flicking the rod; his attention is in the game and that's good! We've often encourage strong friendships in our children to help them along life's journey; this is a beautiful sight to behold.
'Bless our children, God, and help us so fashion their souls by precept and example that they may ever love the good, flee from sin, revere Thy word, and honour Thy name.'

Swimming on wheels

2010-06-24T07:09:00.002+08:00

We're in SPICES and John's swimming around. He's strengthening his upper body, arms and hands. I need to press down his hands so that he can move forword. Strange but it would seem that his brain has not quite 'map' out the connection of his arm and hands. It's hard work and he seems reluctant at times but when I explain it will help him to recover; he'll just do it! "Not giving up" is something John 'taught' me when we were playing badminton together. I'd say he was a good teacher.

Bowling

2010-06-05T06:55:00.003+08:00

About 3 months before the accident, Simon took John bowling and had snacks later at Brem Mall; he told Simon that was the best day of his life! It's a comfort to know that John enjoyed his childhood so much.
Well, he still enjoys bowling and will often request to play a game whenever there's free time; which can be rather tiring for us! It's important that he learns to request and also practice hand and eye co-ordination.

Artwork

2010-05-20T21:17:00.004+08:00

John's doing art with creative teachers; he squeezes paint out of plastic soy sauce bottles. He has learnt how to squeeze a squeaky toy but to do this he needs to control his fingers and arm so that there's continues flow of paint. It's not just art, it's occupational therapy.
Yesterday I notice that when John's in the HBOT (oxygen therapy) chamber he was able to manoeuvre his whole body with ease. Since there's 2 of us in there it can be tight when we turn our bodies. Previous HBOT he even attempted to stand up which is just impossible. It would seem his proprioceptive ability has improved.
One thing is for certain he's now able to open the door of his room to come out when he wakes up in the morning. Praise God!

Quack-quack. . .

2010-05-10T06:55:00.005+08:00

We're at SPICES doing the duck walk. All of us are working very hard. Some may ask if duck walk is necessary; well we're co-ordinating him, making him move different muscle and joints which is necessary to for him to discover different parts of his muscle and limbs. We hope to teach his brain to recognise his body.
Today John started HBOT, his 122nd. He ate 2 slices of bread, I read 2 books and we watched some sing-a-long dvd. But towards the end he just got bored of the dvd and just lie down. I was surprised he was bored cos it used to entertain him previously and he's not seen it for 3 months. Well guess it time to move on to another dvd.

Co-ordinating my arms

2010-04-25T16:21:00.007+08:00

John progress in the swimming pool is mainly attributed to his almost daily arm co-ordination exercise. When we started doing this a bit more he manage to stop the excessive unco-ordinated movement of his arm and started moving forward when he swims. If you can recognise the equipment, it's the cycle that the 3 aunties use to help him to start paddling a year ago ( refer 29th April 2009 blog).
When we see progress we can't help but give thanks to God for His mercy towards John and us. I've always thought of myself as a fairly patient person; but after john's accident I've got to constantly remind myself to be patient and let God work out His will in John's life. God's not only working in John's life; He's working in my life too!

2010-04-04T06:39:00.005+08:00

John is doing a sprint on his exercise bike. This time he's doing without any help from us except to encourage and cheer him on. He goes about 6 km on the bike nearly everyday. We see his co-ordination improving when he comes down the stairs too. He can now alternate his feet with some assistance.
We also notice an improvement in his eye sight; when he used the escalator last year he just hop on with someone holding and guiding him however at the begining of this year he was rather hesitant to hop on escalator going downwards ( i think the reason being that he can see better and he got scared of the height!). Now he's enjoying the escalator again!
Today is glorious Easter Sunday; where the sadness of Good Friday has been over taken by the mystery of the empty tomb. A mystery that has the the world divided; but for those who believe in the resurrection of Jesus; A Blessed Easter!

Holidaying in Kuantan

2010-03-20T09:48:00.007+08:00

It's our first family holiday since John's near drowning incident in 2008. We had a good holiday, enjoying the walks in the beach, flying kites, playing snooker and the skyline of each new day. Here you see Simon and John just enjoying the waves while resting on a rock!
'Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go......For you are my hope, O Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth.' (Psalm 71:3,5)

Swimming in Lake Club

2010-03-10T07:24:00.008+08:00

This was taken on 26/2/10. God is good to us in enabling us to see another miracle. Simon started by coaxing John to swim towards him 2 sessions ago. He started doing it! We are so exited to see his progress we had to share it.
Here is the last part of his swim; about to get up. You'll see John protesting in having to do another "lap". He laps from one side of the pool to the other. In earlier videos you'll see his legs co-ordinating but his right hand was always splashing the water. But now he's better able to control his right arm and body and neck to move forward.

'Mr.Forgetful'

2010-02-16T06:13:00.008+08:00

John loves being read to. I've often read to him short stories often wandering whether he likes the stories or he just like flipping pages. However the first time I read to him 'Mr.Forgetful' from the Mr.Men series he laughed out loud; that just thrilled me. Here we are sharing the 'funny' part; hope you'll enjoy being read to as well.

Play ball !

2010-02-05T08:08:00.006+08:00

John's not able to kick or throw a ball on his own but as you see he has manage to play ball in his own way. Going after the ball and playing with it was something is somthing new. 6 months ago he would just hit the ball once and be side track with something else. This shows an improvement in his awareness and attention span. You'll see and hear him shuffling across the floor; he still needs to be taught to lift his feet up more. He's still very much a right handed person as he's only able to hit the ball in one direction and with only one hand.
We're obviously thankful he's playing; knowing that there's so much more to do we pray for strength to work with him and patience to see miracles unfold before our eyes.

My workout bike

2010-01-22T06:47:00.005+08:00

We got this exercise bike for john about 2 weeks ago, it gives him a bit of resistance. John enjoys his food and we thought since he's not running and playing games like he used to; he should do some workout! He doesn't really enjoy it, but we've got to 'encourage' him on.

Posting (Pt.2)

2010-01-06T05:44:00.007+08:00

Hi, Happy New Year everybody! We've been busy towards the end of the year with Christmas and all; so that's why I didn't post up one at the end of december. This was taken the week before christmas. Aunty choon heah who was on holiday came over and work with him. (Yeah she's a 'slave driver'). We've been working on his hands and eyes so that they can function better. Here we use brown colour tiles that are smaller and he has to search it out to drop in cup thus increasing the difficulty level. We do this almost daily so at times we need to motivate him with a tasty snack as you'll see. Like all kids he doesn't like 'homework' either!

Most people have a christmas wish list and ours was naturally for john to be well again. For him to be independant, have a purposeful life and to love God and to know he's loved. But as I started to pray for my 2 girls, I realise I'm basically asking for the same things. Things have change so drastically for john and us but at the core of things; God is still the same and his promises remain the same.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jer. 29:11)

Posting (Pt.1)

2010-01-05T06:34:00.006+08:00

This was taken at the end of October. Here you see John dropping coloured counters into a cup. Earlier we have worked him with a bigger container and it's getting smaller. It's monotonous but something we keep at almost daily. He's basically doing hand and eye co-ordination which he needs a lot of pratice with as he has a depth perception problem. Because of this he can not walk on unfamiliar ground on his own. He does not know if there's a step or flat ground ahead therefore he can trip easily. When we compare it with posting pt.2; we can see the improvement that John has made. Now that John is more mobile we are diligently working on his hands and eye.

Look at me swing!

2009-12-10T06:40:00.005+08:00

We've been swinging john; but it's time for john to learn how to swing himself. This is his 4th time on his own. The first 3 sessions was just 'pushing' his knees. It's special cos it's his 1st swing. It's always exciting to see him gaining back skills he lost in the accident. It may seem a slow and small step but it's a step in the right direction and for that we are thankful.

My art work

2009-11-23T15:57:00.011+08:00

This is John's first piece of 'art' work after the accident.
He's lost his ability to hold a pencil or crayon. He did this using a special crayon called a palmer crayon (it's at the bottom right hand side of the photo.)

John's classmates would know that he was bad in 'pendidikan seni'. Well ...it's still 'bad'. At the present moment he still does not have the wrist movement but used his whole arm to colour. It'll take a lot of practice before he can write with a pencil again but at least with this piece he held on to the crayon and did this on his own.

Crawling all over.

2009-11-10T14:57:00.005+08:00

We're at SPICES in Wangsa Maju. We go there every wednessday for about 2-3 months now. Here you see us crawling all over, john having fun with the wide floor space. Some may ask why make a walking boy crawl? Ans: Walking co-ordinates the legs but crawling requires co-ordination of both arms and legs. Works the brain a bit more.
Mind you it took quite an effort before he found the fun of crawling. When we 1st introduce the toy he would just stand up and walk over to get the ball. We had to help him co-ordinate his arms more before he could move!

2009-11-03T05:54:00.002+08:00

Ya... john enjoys his bicycle more than the 'horse'. Yesterday we started his 81st HBOT (oxygen therapy) session. We had to delay it for 2 weeks cos he had a cold and then passed it to mom! Fyi:- A cold can block your ears and when under pressure like in HBOT chamber it can cause earache.

It's a minor set back but we're back on the trail.

2009-10-05T15:19:00.005+08:00

John just got a new toy; it's a 'horse'. This is his latest exercise machine which is suppose to work on his trunk muscle and balancing. It will help him walk better.
It's just past 1 year after the accident (happened on 28/09/08). We've been having mixed feelings; happy that john's with us, walking & laughing but sad cos he's nowhere near the 10 year old boy before the accident. At this point it would seem he's unlikely to go back to mainstream school. Many people say that after 1 year; progress happens slowly and only marginally. However we believe God is able and willing to help us. God's plan for john may be different but it is nevertheless important. As parents we'll continue to educate him to our best ability so that he can discover God's will for his life. In Eph 2:10 it says 'For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.' We don't know how much he'll be able to do or how much we're able to help.

I will do what I can

I am only one;

but still I am one.

I cannot do everything,

but I can still do something.

Therefore, I will not refuse

to do the something

that I can do.

Thanks for your concern and prayers they are much appreciated.

Happy Birthday John.

2009-09-16T08:12:00.005+08:00

15th sept was john's birthday. We celebrated it with a choc cheese cake baked by aunty choon heah. As you can see here john has problem with oral motor skill ( associated with speech); he can blow a whistle but he can't blow a candle. I put a tube in his mouth hoping he'll blow into it. He's done it before but not today!

Speeding on my bike.

2009-09-03T12:57:00.010+08:00

This was a surprise for Simon as it's the 1st time he saw john cycling on his own. (we've been training 'secretly'!). He stops in between cos his footing go out of place and we have to help him adjust his foot. The person cheering him on is kakak Suyati. He's not about to go round the neighbourhood but he has progress since 2 months ago! How we wish his recovery will speed up; but just as God gives speed to lightning, He also gives speed to the snail therefore we'll trust he's at best speed cos God knows best.

My gym work-out

2009-08-13T07:54:00.003+08:00

John needs to put pressure on his arm joints so that his brain will better identify his arms and hands. Since he's a big boy we used a lorry inner tube to help lift his lower body. To keep him motivated ruth feeds him popcorn or anything handy that he likes. (It also works his back and has enable him to walk more upright.) Simon holds his legs so he doesn't wriggle out! Nobody really likes going to the gym right?

Bobbing along with good company

2009-08-05T06:09:00.004+08:00

First thing we need to do is getting john to relax and find his balance in water. Here you'll see simon helping him to 'swim' and poh wan getting him to float in water. Like everything else it seems he has to relearn his swimming skills. May God give us patience and perseverance....

What cha doing....

2009-07-21T08:00:00.005+08:00

John's been observing kakak wiping the table lately; guess tonight he decided to have a go at it too. Imitation is how a small child learns; we've got a big little boy in our hands!

Left,right;left,right this time

2009-07-14T07:06:00.004+08:00

John has progressed to using alternating leg when going upstairs. It shows he's coordinating both sides of the brain. We often take it for granted but when a brain is injured like john's; it's a major step forward.

Seeking out play-mates

2009-07-06T05:45:00.004+08:00

John's playing with mom. Like a young child he initiates play; which is a good developmental sign. He often seeks out familiar people to play with them in his own way. He may not know any of the conventional games but you'll see he's a playful boy.

This is the way we go cycling

2009-06-26T05:51:00.003+08:00

If you've seen earlier clips, you'd have seen john 'cycling' with 3 aunties; they did a good job cause now we can take john a step further. We saw the rehab doctor in UMMC yesterday and told him some of the things john's able to do; he was surprised and told us we don't need him anymore. Dr. Kumarasan told us to continue with physio, occupational and speech therapy AND to build his cognitive abilities. He said to send to centers/schools for children with learning difficulties. (Some at EEFC may be thinking of SPICES, you're right!)
In the next phase God has place for john people he is familiar and able to work with him. How many kids can say that his god-mother and CG aunty has knowledge and experience to help him? It's a long road ahead but we've got good travelling companions!

Swimming

2009-06-15T13:52:00.005+08:00

It's John's 2nd time in the pool after the near drowning accident. This thrilled us a lot cos on his 1st time in the pool he was tense and he forgot how to kick. Here we see a glimpse of his old swimming skill. We thank God for every progress and thank you for your prayers.

Up&down and Up&down again

2009-05-28T06:04:00.006+08:00

This is what john's been doing lately; climbing the stairs. He'll do this a few times a day. He's not completely steady as you will see towards the end. By doing this he exercises his hands, legs and eye co-ordination. We need to be alert to shadow aid him cos there are times when he will have a BIM (Brain Injury Moment); where for a moment he loses awareness of what he's doing or where he is. He's been having it more frequently; pray that God will use the HBOT (oxygen therapy) to heal the brain.
"One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard; that you, O God, are strong, and that you, O Lord, are loving." Psalm 62:11

Dinnner Time

2009-05-20T07:20:00.005+08:00

John just learned how to spoon feed himself about 2 weeks ago. He holds the spoon fairly well now but still not able to co-ordinate fork and spoon yet. You'll notice we put his elbow on the table to help him co-ordinate himself when feeding. He needs the support cos the shoulder and upper arm needs more strength and co-ordination

Lunch time

2009-05-04T08:32:00.003+08:00

Many people ask if john is eating well. As you'll see he's enjoying his food as usual with limited ability to feed himself. His kakak is feeding him and we had an unfamiliar aunty around so he's a bit "shy".
For family and friends who want to say hi or leave a message just go to the ShoutMix Chat box. It's on the lower right hand corner after the photos and music player. Just fill in your name and message; ignore the website part; then click on Shout!.

Cycling

2009-04-29T06:54:00.003+08:00

Aunty Wee Mee, Christine and Soomy comes over regularly to help john workout! They're no push-over as you can see here. Through regular exercise like this his steps has grown bigger. From small steps to big strides and perhaps running; that's what they're working towards.

Waiting for Lunch

2009-04-20T07:34:00.003+08:00

John's in his wheelchair waiting for lunch. Since he can't see very well, he appreciates it when someone tells him what's happening around him as in this case. We don't know how much he knows or understands but a familiar voice is always soothing.

Walking in the mall

2009-04-20T06:53:00.004+08:00

Walking in the mall on 1/4/09. We went there with a group of aunties, Aunty Poh Wan, Fong Peng, Main Yee and Dawn. He can walk on his own now but we want to improve his strides. His impaired vision causes him to move cautiously. Of cause noise affects him too; that's why we do "mall therapy" on week days only.

HBOT Center (Oxygen Therapy)

2009-04-09T08:48:00.007+08:00

This is the 4oth session at HBOT on 2/3/09. We're coming out from the capsule. We're in 100% cotton clothing for safety reasons. (Oxygen is highly inflamable). He started taking small independant steps a few days ago. Simon holds his shirt cause we're afraid he'll fall down. We feel he doesn't know how to break a fall.

Standing on his own

2009-04-07T08:47:00.003+08:00

We started to help him stand in seremban hospital where they strap him and put him on a turn-table.
Subsequently 4 persons had help him- 2 to hold on to knee and foot, 1 at the back to support him, 1 to engage him in songs or conversation.
This pic is precious cos it's his 1st time on his own (10/2/09)and we were thrilled. Walking would be the next mile stone.

Home at last

2009-04-07T08:39:00.003+08:00

Beginning of the year '09 with some of his cousins. We took him out that evening to celebrate his grandfather's birthday.

In Petaling Jaya

2009-04-02T07:52:00.011+08:00

On the 60th day we took him out from Hospital Tuanku Jaafar in Seremban to PJ as we did minor renovations to our house. Simon's brother bought the house and made minor renovations and painting but had not moved in. Out of their generosity they let us have the place for 3 weeks. We can only thank God for provisions like this. Many people visited us and Poh Wan espeacially helped us to settle in. I remember for the 1st time in 2 months simon, john(in his wheelchair) and i could sit around the dinning table to have dinner! It felt good to sit with john on the floor and just hug him!

Children's Ward, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar

2009-04-02T06:48:00.006+08:00

On the 24th day he was taken to the Children's Ward. The white colour plastic thing on his neck is a tracheotomy tube. It was put in while in ICU, 2 weeks after he got admitted. It's inserted into the wind pipe. Doctor pass oxygen into it. It's not taken out cause they're not sure if he's able to consciously breathe on his own. It was also a 'stress' point for us initially as we had to suck mucous through the tube.
He was also fed through the tube 3 hrly. We pour milk into the tube from his nose and it ends up in the stomach. He dislikes it, pulled it out several times and it causes ulcer; which was another stress point for us. When we initially took it off, he was fed baby cereal and blended porridge. (Ruth spent a whole hour feeding him a slice of papaya!)

ICU, Hospital Tuanku Jaafar

2009-04-02T06:24:00.011+08:00

John had a near drowning accident on 28th Sept 2008. On first day doctor told us he may not survive through the day as his chest x-ray showed a wide white area. This photo was taken on 2nd day in ICU. Then the doctors said we should see a positive or a negative outcome in 3 days. Instead he stayed in ICU for more than 3 weeks. During then he had spasms that can go on for 3 -4 hours. It caused us so much pain seeing him in anguish that we were willing to let God take him home. Soon we realised that his grandfather who recently became a christian felt that the accident happened to his youngest grandson cause he forsook ancestral worship. Our hearts ache and our prayers changed knowing that only God can do a miracle.
We were greatly encouraged by the prayer support pouring in for john. We were amazed at the unity of prayer from different churches, from people we've only met for the 1st time, from family and friends in Malaysia and also overseas. We felt very loved.

2009-03-31T08:49:00.006+08:00

Our purpose is to keep those who are praying for john updated on his progress visually. We want to thank you for your prayer support and encourage you in prayer and praise to God as we see God's hand at work.
We don't know how long before complete recovery or how much can be recovered but we're experiencing God's grace daily. Our hope is in God who knows the desires of our hearts and will only give good things to His children.
We don't intend to blog daily, probably weekly or alternate weeks.

Below is an article written by Bro. KS Gan for Emmanuel EFC bulletin......

Milestone of Thanksgiving
22 October 2008

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you
my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of
your wings until the disaster has passed.” – Psalms 57:1

Today marks a major milestone in the progress of John’s physical recovery. I remembered the
emergency call by Simon seeking the church prayers for John on that frightful morning. Simon
caught a glimpse of a boy with familiar spiky hair being carried into the lift, and he rushed forward to see who the boy was. His heart skipped a thousand beats when he realised that it was his beloved boy. Meanwhile hotel personnel had efficiently called Ruth in the hotel room to say that a man with red t-shirt is with the boy who nearly drowned and is in a van rushing to the PD hospital. Hoping against all hope, Ruth called Simon, to eliminate that red t-shirt man was not Simon. But it was Simon and it was John.

Simon related how the father of the 2 boys who swum together with John noticed that John was missing from the boys’ company in the pool and promptly ordered the boys to go into the pool to search for John. They found John lying on the bottom of the pool. The father jumped in to pull John out of the water, applied CPR, based on what he saw from TV. Later the hotel’s event manager took over to administer CPR under the watchful eyes of a doctor there who was a guest there. John’s fingertips, when pulled out, were already blue, but his arms and legs were
limp and not stiff. Stiffness would mean that one is out of oxygen for too long. Within minutes of CPR, John’s finger tips had turned reddish, amidst all the coughing out of water and fluid. Hotel had the van running already waiting for John and Simon. PD hospital is one of the most experienced hospital in Peninsular Malaysia to treat near drowning cases due to the frequent cases of drowning there.

John was transferred to Seremban Hospital as PD was not staffed with a fits specialist. Seremban Hospital is well equipped as it houses IMU medical students who do their clinical experience there. Hotel and medical personnel were helpful and prompt in their follow-up services. For 25 days in the Seremban Hospital’s ICU, we were acquainted with news of
John’s condition, battered, severe, grim, and grave. Helplessness descended on us.

John was fighting for his life and doctors told Simon and Ruth to prepare for the worst in the initial ordeal. Lungs were so cloudy on day one, when it would only be such on day three. In attempt to ventilate his lungs with oxygen punctures his lung, and the tube thrusted into John’s mouth broke his tooth. His livers were also infected, paracetamol could not be prescribed for fear of injuring the livers. On doing the MRI scan, we were unsure whether John could hold out breathing on his own for 45 minutes.

For 25 days we were treated to a wilderness experience. For 25 days we do not know when our drink for the thirst of asking “whys” would ever be quenched, nor do we know where our food to satisfy our worries, pain, frantic holding on to our faith would come from and be in sufficient quantities. We were afraid that the hotness in the wilderness day, would dehydrate our sorrowful souls and the coldness of the desert night would mercilessly drain our last bit of energy of holding out and keeping sane. We see desert and sand everywhere. We see lifelessness all around, ready to pounce on easy targets and we see vultures circling for the bodies of our grief. But we also see a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, all demonstrative of God is in and within our midst. Little did we know that the cloud also provided cover from a hot afternoon, and the fire at night keeps us warm. A wilderness experience exposes our weaknesses, it exposes that in all our technological advancement we are so vulnerable to even basic life issues, we are
helpless. Then the manna and the quail become agents of a trustworthy God, it increases our dependence on Him. Our weakness and His power and strength, a potent combination.

For the past 25 days we see the goodness and the hand of God, leading each step of the way, providing healing bit by bit, not more and not less, just as the exact sufficiency of manna for the day for the Israelites. We see the Hoos surrounded by angels. They have long and unique
names. Some angels are called ‘the father who jumped in to save’ and ‘one who
gives a kiss of life’. Some are called ‘Dawn who accompanies the girls by night’, while others are called, ‘neighbour who fetches to school’, and ‘Susan who does wet marketing’, while many are
called ‘those who prays, visits and encourages.’

Today is a milestone day. As surely as we cried our depths to Him, we shout our joys to Him today, always. Today, John moves out of ICU into the pediatric ward. Simon made acquaintanceship with a Malay father whose child is still in the ICU for more than 100 days. ICU is a depressing place, many come in and few leave alive.

We are grateful to a God who knows just how much we can hold on, who knows the right moment when there are no more tears left to shed before cynicism sets in, and who knows how close the dagger is put at our hearts. While we are barely holding our battered fort, tearing, and close to being pierced, He acts just in time, He saves. And His salvation is often like that provided for of the Israelites at the starting side of the Red Sea with the mighty Egyptian army menac
ing zeroing down. Jehovah told the Israelites to stand still, and see Jehovah’s salvation at work.

We are thankful to a God who requires us to do nothing but trust. Just as well, we do not know what to do. We are thankful to a God who preserves and ministers to Johnand the Hoos. We are a blessed community, because our Saviour is The Blessed One.

We have much to be thankful to God for. We remain prayerful and hopeful of a God who saves, who heals and who delivers, for John, for the Hoos, and for anyone who dares to put his or her trust in this God who appears to be silent, who appears to be aloof, who appears to be out of touch, who appears to not be in control, but acts and wills according to His good purposes, in the nick of time, in His own time.

We are at the river Jordan, awaiting to go into the promised land. As God continues his work of healing on John, all that is demanded of us is to be faithful and march across that Jordan river. A river that separates what was and what is to be, that separates what was promised to us and the promise received. It’s a river that helps us to remember His covenants. We call Him, Lord and He calls us His children. By calling Him, Lord, there is a covenantal relationship that He obliges to honour with us. We leave the healing to God, that is His job, our job is to be obedient and having a posture of prayer and dependence on Him. For even in thedesert of lifelessness, he provides nourishment.
May the Lord grant us a good gift and complete the healing of John he begun and bring him back to consciousness and awareness.
The Lord be with us all.
“In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever.”
– Psalms 44:8