Dear friends and readers, as we embrace the third week of April, a month that heralds spring and resurrection, I find myself reflecting on the powerful symbolism infused within the colour yellow.
For many, yellow evokes feelings of warmth, joy, and optimism — an embodiment of life itself.
In the context of this beautiful month and specifically as I have recently contemplated my journey through illness and healing, yellow resonates deeply, especially as it pertains to my daughter Natasha’s unyielding love and support.
April stands as a bridge between the solemnity of the Lenten season and the exuberance of Easter.
It captures the essence of rebirth and new beginnings, echoing the message of hope portrayed in the resurrection of Christ.
In this spirit of renewal, I relate the colour yellow to my daughter’s plea, a vivid representation of her devotion and faith during my challenging times.
She has become my beacon of hope — her vibrant heart echoing the positive energy and warmth that yellow represents.
Natasha’s plea is akin to the bright, golden rays of yellow shining down upon us.
In a recent encounter before we came to Beijing, as we conversed hand in hand, she implored me not to give up, even amid the challenges that my treatment entailed.
The sincerity in her voice and the passion behind her words reflected a profound love that transcended mere obligation.
“Madre” (the endearing name she calls me), she said, “I do this because I love you, not because I’m your daughter.”
Those words encapsulated the essence of what it means to embody yellow in our lives — a bright truth illuminating our path in times of uncertainty.
As my daughter assumed the role of caregiver, tending to me in ways she had never imagined, she transformed from being my baby into a strong, compassionate advocate for my health.
The palette of yellow extended into our daily lives as Natasha recorded every act of love, from collecting bloodied tissues, bathing, managing my daily toileting, to cleaning my wounds.
Each gesture painted a picture of unwavering commitment and fierce loyalty that brightened our days, reminding me of God’s precious blessings.
One of the most significant moments for us came during our darkest hours. Between 17 and 23 March, Natasha found herself grappling with fears that threatened to pull me under.
In silence, she bore her own anguish, with tears hidden from me yet revealing the depth of her love and the strength of her spirit.
I knew she was praying fervently for my recovery — a daughter’s plea so powerful that it illuminated our shared suffering with the grace of God’s light.
In the early hours of 23 March at around 3 a.m., as I struggled to breathe, we had a heartfelt conversation that I will treasure forever.
“If I have to rest in peace,” I told her, “I seek your forgiveness for not fulfilling my promise to never give up.”
She agreed with me that healing was not solely in our hands but in the divine power of God. “It takes a miracle,” we both acknowledged.
Feeling the warmth of her hand in mine at that moment, not giving up on me, never willing to accept the truth that I might be dying, we took a selfie together, capturing not just the physical image but the emotional tapestry of that hour — her face glistening with tears juxtaposed against my smile, a flicker of hope amidst our darkest uncertainties.
Natasha’s prayer to God was heartfelt, a plea born from a young heart striving to navigate profound fear.
“Dear Lord,” she beseeched, “I do not know what Your will is, and here I am, Lord, I am Your child. I hope You can grant me a miracle that will allow my mummy to continue living.”
Her dialogue with the Divine encapsulated the essence of yellow — a vibrant, courageous cry like a child for life and mercy.
In the days that followed, I felt enveloped by the light of Divine Mercy as St Faustina’s teachings inspired hope in me deeply.
Slowly, as the days turned into weeks, my body began to respond to the will of God and the fervent prayers of my daughter, as well as those of Father Ramon Borja, my beloved family, and countless church friends.
On 27 March, I could breathe more freely, and by the 29th, I was walking on my own without dependence on oxygen.
Each recovery milestone felt like a tribute to the power of prayer and the unconditional love of my loved ones.
The medical team was astonished, referring to my progress as a miracle — a testament to the truth that with God, all things are possible.
I rejoiced in the grace poured out upon me, acknowledging that my life had been spared by the same God who had inspired Natasha’s heartfelt prayers.
Dear friends and readers, as I sit here today, no longer dependent on oxygen or mobility aids, I am filled with gratitude.
I celebrate the victories that have woven together the fabric of my recovery, each thread coloured with the echo of yellow — the emblem of hope. God indeed listened.
He heard Natasha’s plea, and yours, and in doing so He has blessed us both with renewed life.
Reflecting on this journey through the lens of faith, I am reminded of the words from Psalm 107:21–22: “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of His works with songs of joy.”
These verses encapsulate the gratitude swelling within my heart, a spirit resonating with the colour yellow in April.
To my most precious daughter Natasha, thank you for being the embodiment of love. I thank God for the gift of you.
It is through your heartfelt care and unyielding faith that I have found the strength to continue this journey joyfully.
Your spirit glows like the brightest sun, illuminating our path and colouring our lives with God’s warmth and hope.
As we continue forward into the rest of April, I yield to the yellow spirit that symbolises our journey together — the resilience, the compassion, and, above all, the enduring faith that has brought us to where we are now.
I believe wholeheartedly that God often chooses the most ordinary moments to manifest His miracles, and I am eternally grateful for the gift of life that has been restored through the love of many, especially my daughter, and the merciful grace of our Lord.
In the vibrant shade of yellow, I profess my faith, my love, and my gratitude.
For every tear shed in prayer, for every moment of uncertainty, and for every breath that I now take, I will carry you with me, dear Natasha.
You are the reason God has gifted me life as I continue to embrace it, and because of you, I know that my spirit will forever remain in full colour.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at lawleepoh@gmail.com.
