A Mother’s Day miracle

Tita Myra’s maternal instincts extend far beyond her role as a seasoned baby nurse, drawing from over 20 years of professional experience. PHOTO BY ELTON LUGAY

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – When the neuro doctors at Geisinger Wyoming here gave up on Tita Myra’s health, her daughter Rasmin, a well-known singer in the Fil-Am community in New York, faced an unimaginable upheaval. Along with her siblings, Ronald in Cagayan de Oro and Cristina in Australia, they held onto a sliver of hope even as they conceded to the doctors’ bleak prognosis. The family was advised that removing Tita Myra’s life support and opting for hospice care would be the most painful decision they would ever make.

Tita Myra’s fall at her Pennsylvania home had caused a severe brain injury. Her left brain had shifted and was covered in blood, leading the doctors to be firm in their prognosis that she had zero chance of recovery. Little did they know that after 10 days in a deep coma, Tita Myra would wake up just one day before her planned death.

The family was in shock, and the doctors could not believe their eyes. Tita Myra did not just open her eyes; she moved as if she wanted to get out of bed. In response to this miraculous moment, the doctors asked for an immediate meeting with the family to discuss revoking the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. Despite the doctors cautioning that this could be a case of terminal lucidity – a near-death experience where the sick suddenly show signs of improvement but will soon fade— Rasmin and her family said yes.

Tita Myra was not out of danger yet. She was closely monitored for the next few days. But now, nearly four weeks have passed, she has continued to breathe on her own and is desperate to talk, even with a trach in her throat. Remarkably, she has not lost her memory and recognizes Rasmin, her siblings and many friends who have visited. No longer in the ICU, she has been transferred to a progressive care facility in New Jersey, where she is undergoing continuous rehabilitation. It is our hope and prayer that she continues to get better.

Tita Myra and daughter Rasmin. PHOTO BY ELTON LUGAY

It has been a whirlwind month for Rasmin, her family and friends. This Mother’s Day month, we are reminded once again of the importance of not taking our loved ones for granted. Tita Myra, who suffered a simple fall in her Pennsylvania home, almost lost her life. Prior to this accident, she had two previous falls in New York — once on an uneven path under the LIRR train in Elmhurst while walking back to her apartment and another in the subway upon arriving from Pennsylvania. Although these incidents were separate and unrelated, they serve as a reminder to be more attentive and careful with our elderly loved ones.

Tita Myra (right) with husband James and daughter Rasmin in their home in Pennsylvania. PHOTO BY ELTON LUGAY

Like many Titas, Tita Myra came to New York to provide a better life for her family in Cagayan de Oro. She has been a baby nurse for more than 20 years and has helped countless Filipino baby nurses find jobs in New York. When we announced her unfortunate accident on social media, many offered prayers and well-wishes, including the prayer group of Roger Santos and Pastor RJ Laxamana. We want to thank everyone for their love and prayers. Indeed, there is power in collective prayers, and we thank the Lord God for giving us our desired answer.

Belated Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers reading this column. I have been on hiatus for nearly a month, deeply affected by our beloved Tita Myra’s health condition. But thanks be to God that she has beaten the coma and fought hard to live, giving her children and family a chance to make her feel loved once more.