:: jotting the lines ::

Many are choking of the hazardous haze, including me. Some even suffer from chest pain, difficulty in breathing, throat irritation and dry eyes condition because of the haze. I am one of those that suffer all above symptoms as I am blogging now.

The weather is causing everyone sick, especially those who live in Selangor and Wilayah Persekutuan. I have not been emotionally stable since Monday. I am not sure of the exact reason that made me cry. I don’t know if anyone at work notice my eyes were filled with tears. I was weeping in the car after an appointment with client. What is wrong with me? How can a person cry when watching a comedy that suppose to make you laugh? Was it all caused by the haze? No?

I could understand why I felt nervous on Monday. I lost my way to a client’s place. I could not find the way to the outskirt industrial place. I felt very insecured as enterring into a secluded area. Plus the haze I could not see exactly what was ahead, the place was badly affected by the polluted air. I was scared by what flashed across my mind. I don’t want to be the victim of those terrifying news I have seen and read in the newspaper. Then I started to ask myself why am I there? All because of getting new business or was I being too ambitious?

Then, we received a phone call from my uncle in the evening telling us that the brother had a epileptic seizure. He fell on the floor and injured his head. My uncle was helpless to the situation. I was mad as he did not immediately call the ambulance, probably he was too panic over the whole ordeal. My mom asked me to send him to the clinic. I did not know he was that serious until I arrived to my grandma’s place. I asked my uncle why didn’t he call ambulance. He looked blank to me and said his epilepsy usually will go off in a short while. Gosh, how can he take this for granted?

We could not carry him so we called the neighbour to lend us a hand. As I knew the doctor will ask what had happened, so I sent a SMS to Julian and asked him to translate epilepsy from Cantonese to English. The doctor at clinic said we must send him to the hospital since he had lost consciousness already. I was terrified but I kept telling myself to calm down. I could not be panic since I had to drive him to the hospital. But not even 100 meters away from the clinic, my uncle started to jerk in the car. His whole body became very stiff. I knew it is beyond my control and I had to call the ambulance. 8 Aug 2005 was the first time I dialed 999. Many questions raised in my head, are these people serious enough to take your call? Gosh, my national language - Malay is crap. I couldn’t even understand myself talking in Malay. So I asked the operator to converse in English. They transferred my call to the ambulance department and was told that the ambulance could only arrive within 15-20mins. I was angry why 15-20mins and not 5mins? They explained that the nearest ambulance to us was in Ampang so I had to wait by hook or crook. What should I do while waiting for the ambulance, I asked?

I drove closer to the main road and let the hazard lights blink whilst waiting for the ambulance. Mom, Unc and the neighbour walked towards my direction and waited outside of the car. Just not long afterwards, I felt a sudden peace rest upon me and my legs were no more trembling. I started to pray in tongues . I asked God to touch my uncle supernaturally, asked Him to touch him miraculously. Though I could not understand how God would lead me through, yet I felt His strong presence there. I noticed his fists are no more tensed and tight as I continued to pray for him. Then I heard him muttering a little and it seemed he was responding to the mighty one. I just continued to pray and give thanks to God for comforting him.

Not long after I heard the ambulance siren approaching to our direction. The ambulance personnels tried to wake my uncle but weren’t able to. So they put him on the stretcher and carried him to the ambulance. Mom sat in my car and the rest followed the ambulance. I was surprised by my courageousness while driving in state of emergency. You can be beyond your expectation . But I saw a careless motorcyclist bang into a Toyota Harrier on the way. I hoped they are okay.

I really learnt something that night. The ambulance personnel sent him to AE (Accident and Emergency) Department and it was where I saw all the horrible scenes. Their clothes were all torn and covered with blood. I also saw blood all over a young man’s face. All of them were crying in pain. I learnt a good insight of who we are that night; a very fragile creature.

My other uncle was called into the room by a nurse. The rest of us sat outside the room and waited for doctor’s instruction. My uncle didn’t say much or I guess he was just trying to keep us from details. Uncle was admited that night. I didn’t leave the place until dad came to the hospital and asked me to send mom and the neighbour back.

I really thank God for being there in the midst. It was all silence on the way home but deep down of my heart I heard the little voice crying out “Thank you Jesus, Thank you for loving me and my family!”

I do want to thank Ju for the translation and of course his prayers!

So now, where is the fresh air? Give me back my beautiful city!