Christmas comes but once a year—a sentiment famously expressed by English poet Thomas Tusser. It’s a season eagerly anticipated by many, filled with bonding, gift-giving, endless festivities, and, for some, extravagant travels and holidays.
I believe that Christmas should be a time for reflection and gratitude for all the blessings received throughout the year—a season for giving and sharing, especially with those who are less fortunate than us.
Sadly, the true essence of Christmas is overshadowed by excessive materialism and consumerism, as evidenced by shops and malls with lavish decorations enticing people to spend. There is nothing wrong with this, and I do not abhor it because it lifts the spirit of the people, especially the children. However, there should be a balance to the excesses we indulge in during this important event of the year.
As Christians, we should not forget that the true meaning of Christmas is the “Gift of Life,” commemorating of the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:1-20 says, “I bring to you great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.”
The gift of life
Each breath we take is a miracle, yet we rarely pause to appreciate it—until it becomes a struggle. Just weeks ago, I faced a life-threatening ordeal.
One week after the book launch of my seventh book, it was a Monday morning of October 28, I had my routine CT scan, using a dye contrast, which I had been using dozens of times before. After the procedure, I developed severe anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. I developed skin rashes and found myself unable to breathe. My vision became blurry, and I felt my body fading and melting away, even though my brain was still active and alert.
Two doctors worked tirelessly to revive me as I struggled to cling to life. Desperate to see my husband, I asked for him, and a nurse quickly brought him to my side. He squeezed my hands, and with my breath faltering, I managed to whisper, “Goodbye, I love you.” Moments later, he was ushered to the next room to wait.
At this stage, I was not at all scared of dying. I was given four injections—two adrenaline and two hydrocortisone—at three-minute intervals instead of five minutes as I was deteriorating rapidly. After my third injection showed no progress, they decided to call the ambulance. They increased the dose of hydrocortisone from 3 mg to 120 mg.
The fourth injection saved my life. Within seconds, my breathing started to get back to normal, and my vision was restored. I heard the doctor saying, “She is out of danger.” My whole body started shaking, and the doctors assured me it was the reaction to the drugs, and that I would be okay.
The ambulance came, and I was taken to Sunshine Hospital. After ten hours of observation, I was given clearance to go home. This “Gift of Life” will be the best gift for me this coming Christmas. I firmly believe I still have a mission here on earth: to continue writing, connecting with people, and promoting the virtues of love, kindness, and empathy.
Happy Christmas to all!
Excerpt from my book, “My Innermost Thoughts”
Each time we breathe to live,
Each time we should remember that life is a gamble,
Each time is a challenge,
Because no one knows what the future brings and holds.
