There are those who allow one tragedy to perpetually hold them down. They stay down without a struggle, never to see the beauty of day again. And then there are those who find meaning in being heartbroken and rise above the calamity to be a guiding light of hope for all who need it. Lilian is one such courageous person.
She not only recovered from the tragic loss of her baby but turned it into a crusade to help other parents in similar situations. She has put up a website dedicated to her son Vincent, runs an active website and forum on parenting and breastfeeding, and another that provides encouragement and information to caregivers of critically ill children. Lilian was also featured in In.Tech recently.
When we met after Mass today, she presented me with a book that she authored and published titled My Hero. This bilingual book in English and Chinese is a comprehensive guide for caregivers of infants and children who are warded in the intensive care unit. Within it are a glossary and notes on medical care, and most of all, the poignant journey with Vincent. The online version in PDF is available here. May God continue to bless you with courage and wisdom, Lilian. You are that flicker of light to many when darkness seems to last forever.
The greatest heroes are those who live life, fight tragedy and keep on going. No names, no fame. Like you.
We don’t have to be famous or well known to be known as heroes. Miracles, surprises and great strength of character can be found in the most ordinary people, it’s just that sometimes we never notice it around us. Look at each other for inspiration 🙂
Marita,
The greatest heroes are people who make an effort to change other people’s life for the better without claiming credit for themselves.
Kervin,
Very true. Inspiration can be found in ordinary people and all around us. I found mine time and again in these people.
Like you.
Peter,
Thanks! God works in ways one never expect. Who would think that the old me, someone who is sooooo afraid of anyone ‘Christian’ would be able to write about faith? If you do not read any of the pages, please just read the one page I wrote about trusting God (under for Non-Muslims reflection). I am amazed I got the wisdom to write that. Or rather, the Holy Spirit guides me.
Lilian,
Indeed God works in mysterious ways.
Wow, I missed reading this post the other day. This post really hit home with me. My sister had twins and they were premature and spent the first 5 weeks of their lives in an incubator in a Neo Natal Intensive Care Unit. What I have seen has really strengthen my conviction that any child that is given to you by God is a gift. Who care if it is a boy or girl? I mean one of the twins appears to have learning difficulties but you really learn to love them even more because of their innocence. I always thought I couldn’t cope with special needs children until I got to know one intimately! I thank God that her kids came out alright and they are truly a gift! People like Lilian deserve a medal and true happiness and fulfillment from what they have been through.
Reading the PDF pamphlet I remember going through all that while visiting my neices in the hospital. No parent should ever have to go through what I have seen in the NIC unit and the losses I saw. I am so grateful I have my neices to hold.
Dee,
Lilian deserves all the applause for the good that she had done. If the information contained in her book can make even one baby suffer less, she has made it. May God continue to bless her.