THE FINAL CHAPTER : A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY (Sept 2009 to Jan 2010)
At the Grotto of Our Immaculate Conception, in Lourdes
Daniel (14+ years old) (Thursday 17/9/2009)
Day 8 in Lourdes
6th day in Hospital (Pao) (evening)
Can't You tell the French doctors what to do like You did the Malaysian doctor? Don't You speak French? Mom had thought childishly. Or rather, helplessly.
Your mother said at last, "God performed all those surgeries."
The doctor nodded and said, "Yes, yes ..."
"Before we go home, we would like to take Daniel to the Grotto since we are here," Mom said.
Hearing that, the doctor agreed to discharge You.
He said, "You can go to the Grotto. I don't have to keep You here since he can take his medication orally now."
Giving You your prescription to take home, he sincerely wished us the best. Aunt Laura arrived just then and the doctor communicated to her in French, probably telling her that there was nothing more he could do, and that we could go home. Seeing them talk in low voices, Mom's heart sank deeper into unknown waters.
It did not matter what the doctor said to Aunt Laura because her expression radiated with cheerful assurance as she came over to your bedside.
"Let's go home, Daniel. Mother Mary is waiting for You at the Grotto ..."
Mom's vision blurred instantly.
