My God is Big!

On my lazy-boy chair whilst fiddling with my laptop, a classmate of long ago asked about my boy. Again, memories flashed back before we had our Kendrich.

Alain and I got acquainted in a local christian church in Makati. 'Twas a whirlwind romance; he courted me for three months and six months after formalising our relationship, have decided to wed in a civil ceremony. Of course, not everyone is happy. Most were surprised and kept querying if I'm pregnant. I do felt nobody believed whenever we answered "No" and I had those eyes following me and my tummy to bulge anytime or sooner.

But four years had passed and the tummy did not bulge. I just feel numb whenever someone will come to me and ask, "is there a bun in the oven (may laman na ba)?" Oftentimes, i just wish that the earth will open wide and engulf the person in front of me. Mustering a smile, and a negative headshake, I move away and hoped not to bump to anyone with the same question. It is not a matter of being concern by some, more likely to be curious or plainly insensitive. I hope they just keep their mouth shut and MYOB (mind their own business).

Alain doesn't worry if we have a child or not. It made my life easier to cruise.

However, the big question didn't go away.

We've decided to have a thorough check. He went first; the results were fine. My turn and the result was devastating. The OB-gyne said that I cannot bear a child due to endometriosis. I went for a second opinion, third, and fourth. From one specialist to another; I even had the specialists to well known personalities and the answers came back the same. It was deafening and heart-wrenching.

An operation is required but the chance of having a baby is very, very small even nil. The cost of the operation is equivalent to buying a brand new car.

One night in June 2004, Alain and I talked about it, with all our hearts. We agreed to pray, one last time, for this item. In my heart I told God, "This will be the last time I will ask for a baby; and after tonight's prayer, I will not raise the request again and will totally accept His will for us".

Alain laid his hand on my tummy, "Dear God, if you are willing, please open Aileen's womb. We want a healthy baby boy." We cried with relief.

For the next month, I engaged in strenuous exercise to keep my mind busy and my body healthy. I actually have set the item aside. I played badminton 30 hours per week; 6-8 hours per day! I developed a passion for the sport that there is no stopping me going to court whenever I don't have work! (You see, i used to lecture 2x a week, which leaves me plenty of time to play!).

I also became competitive, joining local competitions and winning. It was badminton, badminton, badminton. Alain also picked up the sports and became my playing partner.

Came August 2004, as I preparing to finish the day, I noticed my stock of feminine napkin. It occurred to me that they were untouched and un-opened. I just shrugged the thought, "maybe I just lost count...yeah, I think I had my period last month..that's it."

However, the question didn't go away.

I rushed to the pharmacy the next day and bought a pregnancy test kit. "C'mon, girl, are you making a fool of yourself?" I proceeded with the home test anyway. Moment of truth, "I am a good sport." convincing myself.

There was two purple lines.

Was I ecstatic? No. I rushed back to the pharmacy and bought another home test pack. I planned to do the test again when Alain comes home from work.

And again, there was two purple lines.

We both felt surreal. It was unbelievable. We went to a different OB the following day to have a sonogram.

And Lo! There were 2 tiny balls in my tummy. The doctor said that the other one is the tumour that is feeding on my "eggs" and blood. She was explaining some more; but I could barely understand her anymore. I am pregnant!

But the tumor poses danger to the fetus...it may "eat" it and not survive. Quickly, Dra. Martinez gave me doses of injections and oral medications for the next 4 weeks. I need to be checked weekly for the progress.

Week after week, I saw the tumor receding in size and my baby growing. By the time he reached the 6 months, the tumor was gone and only my boy in my uterus! My boy is a fighter!

April 2005, I gave birth to my baby boy, Kendrich Moses Daya. Kendrich meaning "Jehovah has remembered"; and Moses for the patriarch.

The question has been answered; God is a miracle worker. He is bigger than any other health issues like infertility. To God be the Glory!