Author: gilvalenzuela

Who would think that a family outing at the beach would turn me into a jewelry maker?

The blue waters on that warm and sunny July weekend seemed a perfect day to swim in Lake Michigan’s Chesterton beach. But the 65 F water temperature intimidated me.

Instead of swimming, my wife and I just strolled along the beach and enjoyed the sand and smooth stones touching our bare feet and the rushing waves occasionally splashing our legs.

We hardly saw shells in the beach. Instead the shore abounds with flat, smooth stones. I believe the constant churning of waves at the shore shapes and smoothens these fascinating hard minerals which include basalt, siltstone, limestone, mudstone, granite, agate, etc. (That’s according to my Google research)

I bent down to pick an interesting piece of stone- triangular in shape with a hole in one corner. I quickly thought that the piece would look good in my key holder. I happened to have my car key in my pocket. So right there and then I slipped the stone in my key ring. And it looked as if the stone was made for that purpose.

My wife and I just looked at each other fascinated with our discovery and we suddenly became stone collectors.

Our search focused on small, thin and flat stones with natural holes in them to make it into a key holder. You can only imagine how happy and excited we we’re every time we found what we’re looking for. I felt the kid in me came to life and it felt good to feel like a child again. We showed the stones to our grandkids who joined us in the search. Between the two of us and our grandchildren we found several “stone key holders”. I made one for each of our children Gilda, Gilson, Gilary and our daughter-in-law Lyndee. My wife quipped “Let’s look for more and sell them on Etsy.”

Our child-like fascination for collecting stones had began. My wife found a black triangular flat stone and she thought I could make something of it.

“Sweetheart, can you make me a pendant out of this?”

“But there’s no hole in it. How can I hang it.” I replied.

In my mind I thought I knew there’s a way to turn that stone into a beautiful pendant, maybe drill a hole or something.

With that in mind I collected many flat stones in different colors and shapes and came home with the interesting stone collection not knowing what to do with them.

I turned to Google for help and found several ways on how to make a stone into a piece of wearable ornament. One of them is wrapping the object with a wire.

I was introduced to a whole new world when I watched YouTube tutorials on wire wrapping jewelries . And I got hooked!

My favorite stone finds is the one that resembles the map of Illinois. Quite a rare find I must say. What are the chances of finding a stone like this?

On YouTube I stumbled upon a wire wrapping design using the theme of the “Tree of Life” and I fell in love with it. I started my Tree of Life design using the Great Lakes stone finds. And as I review the meaning of the “Tree of Life” in the Bible, all the more I was convinced that I must do it. The Tree of Life is a symbol of God’s life-giving presence and the fullness of eternal life in GOD.





I practiced my wire-wrapping skills making other pieces of jewelries using synthetic gemstones like plastic and acrylic. I also use glass and metals.

While preparing for our New England tour In the Fall of 2021 I made my wife several pieces of earrings and pendants to match her outfits. Then I thought of making more to bring to our bus tour. I had enough pieces to give to all the ladies on our tour bus!

Oh boy! Did I become popular among the ladies in the tour bus for giving away free jewelries? You bet!!! The best part was seeing them wear my creations. I was inspired to continue honing my new art skill because people like and appreciate them.

I was determined to be good at it. All my free hours were dedicated to making the Tree of Life pendants.

On Thanksgiving 2021, I made Tree of Life pendants for all my children and grandchildren and did a little ceremony when I distributed the ornaments.

On Christmas 2021 I made several earrings and pendants intended for selling as Christmas gifts. My wife sold a number of them to her fellow nurses at the hospital and my daughter Gilda sold several pieces at Cryoplus Wellness. A Dad bought Tree of Life pendants for his wife and children.

I posted my work on Facebook and Instagram and many people had good words about the Tree of Life pendant. My sister and friend Victoria Venuso noticed the ornament and showed them to her relatives who were then looking for “something” for the Santos Family Grand reunion in the Philippines. They like the Tree of Life pendant. I was commissioned to make 500 pieces! I’m glad to say that I have fulfilled the order and they ready for delivery!

Did my fingers ache turning and twisting those wires? Oh yes they did! But the joy in my heart making them surpassed the pain in my hands.

As a matter of fact I made more! I came up with a good inventory to start selling my wares online. In time for Mother’s Day 2022, I created a gift package for Mothers featuring the Tree of Life Pendant plus a jar of scented candle and a jar of body scrub. I thought the MOM whom I call a WOW- Woman of Wonder deserves a special gift like this!

This is now available to purchase at my website: http://treeoflifegallery.com

Proceeds on the sale of any of my Tree of Life products will fund the charity works of GOD IS LOVE Ministry. Our current project is the construction of classrooms at Philippine Wesleyan Bible College. GOD laid this burden in my heart while twisting wires. These thoughts ran in my head: Why am I doing this? Am I doing this for my own benefit? What else do I need in my life when GOD is faithfully providing all my needs? Even more than what ask and think of!

Therefore, when you purchase the Tree of Life products you are contributing to God’s work in the Philippines.

I also do commission work. A friend asked me towire wrap her stones and she was very happy with what I made.

This one is the biggest Tree of Life ornament I ever made so far. It’s for a mother with seven children. When it’s done it will have 7 charms bearing the initials of the seven children.

God gave me another lease on life!

I’m alive and well because He rescued me from the valley of death.

The novel corona virus (CoVid 19) hit and knocked me very hard. I stared death on the face!

While all six of us in the house were infected, only I, needed to be hospitalized. My symptoms were very serious and life threatening. I’m a candidate for CoVid mortality: senior at 62, history of cancer, hypertension.

I experienced shortness of breath as my oxygen saturation fell at dangerous level of 87%. The normal range is 92% and higher. A little physical effort made me pant for air. I felt very weak. My sodium level fell to 129. This condition could lead to seizure, comma or even death. The normal range is 136-146. I felt dizzy. I had double vision and light headedness. And the worse, I had blood clots in my lungs (pulmonary embolism).

Those, on top of the other difficult symptoms such as fever, loss of sense of smell, taste and appetite, heavy coughing made my life very miserable. I literally wrestled with death!

Battery of tests were performed on me at the emergency room (ER). RT-PCR to ascertain CoVid infection (nasal swab); Blood work to determine infection and inflammation; EKG; CT scan and X-ray revealed blood clot in my lungs (pulmonary embolism). Blood clot could trigger stroke, aneurysm and cardiac arrest, highly potential quick ways to sudden death. I was fitted with a heart monitor to watch for possible cardiac arrest.

The discovery of blood clot in my lungs gave the greatest concern. When not properly treated, I could be among the 2% of CoVid death statistics. Autopsy reports on some CoVid mortalities include presence of severe blood clots in the lungs among others.

But that feeling of fear of death was just fleeting. GOD The Holy Spirit quickly reminded me of his protection, healing and deliverance and powerful touch, such as the ones I experienced several times in the past. God’s peace and comfort took over and covered me.

⁃ He rescued me from drowning twice when I was a boy.

⁃ He protected me from venomous snake twice; when I was a young boy and while working in Sultan Qaboos University farm

⁃ He spared my life from a near- fatal car accident

⁃ He healed me from cancer

(Pls refer to my blog: “God’s Mysterious Ways: Protection”)

Indeed, GOD is my

– Jehovah Rafpha (Healer)

– Deliverer

– Redeemer

– Restorer

– Provider

GOD accomplishes His works using human agencies. I’m blessed to have an access to one of the premier hospitals in Chicago. The Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois- just 10 minute- drive from West Chicago where I live.

The team who attended to me was top notch in the medical profession. Their expertise, care and compassion are truly extension of God’s mighty hand! I received an incredible care from:

Physicians with advance practice

Nurses

Patient care technicians

Medical assistants and phlebotomists

Technicians and technologists

Inpatient physical medicine

Rehabilitation Therapist

Clinical pharmacists

Respiratory Therapists

Social workers

Dietitians

There were many people who came in and out of my hospital room. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart. God knows who they are and He knows how to reward each one of them.

But I’d like to mention few names: Dr. Villanueva, Dr. De La Cruz, Dr. Corcek, Dr Amatu and Brittany Wienkes- APRN;

Nurses Lynne, Aris, Joanna, Evelyn, Janelle and ER nurse Alexandria and Michelle Herman-Clinical Director;

Respiratory Therapist Maria, Technicians Estella, Airian and Dan.

You’ve touched my body and soul that provided healing and restoration. Indeed, your are extension of God’s hand. Thank you and GOD bless you!

I also thank all those who prayed and intervened for me. My family, my Church, my faithful friends, my social media friends and followers- hundreds of them around the world. Your prayers were heard. God’s hand was moved by your intercession.

I was discharged well on my way to healing and restoration. I am breathing on my own with oxygen saturation from 93%-99%. There are still symptoms like coughing and weakness. The doctors told me I’m one of those CoVid long haulers.

Treatment continues at home to combat CoVid pneumonia using steroids and blood thinner to prevent any further blood clots. These medication are a breakthrough in CoVid treatment protocols. During the early stages of the pandemic, lung blood clotting ( pulmonary embolism) as well as deep vain clot tings were not yet observed and addressed. That’s why many died due to untreated pulmonary and deep vain embolism.

If I got infected earlier, I would probably be dead by now. I got infected when the medical community had a better knowledge of the deadly virus, and therefore a better treatment approach to combat the enemy.

I’m a truly, legitimately considered a CoVid survivor!

All praises and glory to God. Thank you Jesus, my Savior, Friend, Healer, Deliverer, Restorer, Provider, my all in all!

The Beautiful Feet of  

 Robert & Kay Bickert

By Gil E. Valenzuela

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation.” Isaiah 52:7 NIV

A surprise reunion

What would it be like to live on the other side of the world where we knew no one? My wife and I and our young family wondered when we moved to Wilmore, Kentucky in the Fall of 1994 to attend school at Asbury Seminary.

Our apprehensions were quickly dispelled when the Wesleyan Seminary Foundation and fellow Wesleyan seminarians warmly welcomed us and made us feel we will have a home away from home.

But the biggest surprise was when one day, not too long after our arrival in Wilmore, I saw a man wearing a barong (Philippine shirt) crossing the street. I chased him! It was Robert Bickert, my missionary! We hugged, cried and rejoiced on that surprise reunion.

“My family and I live here in Wilmore and I’m doing my doctoral studies here at Asbury” Bob explained.

This was the continuation of our special bond which started in the Philippines when I was yet a young man in my teens.

My call to ministry was influenced by Bob Bickert. I remember praying at the altar during youth conventions responding to his challenge for us young people to be involved in the kingdom work. That was many years ago- in the mid-70s, when I said “Here I am Lord send me.”

After many detours towards that call, In 1994, I finally decided to follow God in full time ministry. I left my job as an engineer in the Middle East, came to America to prepare for ministry at Asbury Seminary.

God in His mysterious ways orchestrated that my path once again cross that of Bob Bickert’s. The one who challenged and encouraged me to become a laborer for God’s vineyard was there to guide and support me towards the fulfillment of that call.

Loved and Cared for by the Bickerts

Bob and Kay guided us through our transition to a new environment. They poured on us the love, care and encouragement we needed to survive and thrive in our pursuit of ministerial education. They taught us how to raise our young family. They introduced us to several church congregations of the Wesleyan church in the states of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Virginia and the Carolinas. In the process, some church congregations took us under their care by sponsoring us through our seminary studies.

For many years while in Kentucky, Bob and Kay trusted us to do the missionary part of the Kids Summer Camp in the Kentucky District. They cared for our spiritual wellbeing as well. We had a regular Bible study and discipleship meeting with them.

The beautiful feet

In June of 1997, I received a call informing me that Bob Bickert had an emergency heart surgery at the Lexington hospital. My wife and I rushed to see him. We found him at the ICU fitted with breathing tubes and needles in both hands. I could not shake his hand, nor hug him as I used to. So, as I stood at the side of his hospital bed by his feet, I lifted the white linen and saw his feet and kissed them. I uttered a prayer of thanksgiving and healing for this man of God.

As I kissed Bob’s feet, I thought to myself: “These are the feet that are tirelessly bringing the Good News of salvation to my people- the Filipinos. And these are what the Bible refer to as “beautiful feet.”

On the mountains

Bob and Kay Bickert ministered in the Mountain Province of the Philippines. Baguio City and the adjoining areas lie 9,600 feet above sea level, the third highest peak in the Philippines. They trekked the mountain sides of La Trinidad and braved the dangerous roads with deep ravines of Sinipsip and Benguet. They were there to train pastors and Bible school students how to grow and multiply churches.

On the plains

The ministries of the Bickerts were not limited to the mountains. They actually started in the plains of Luzon in the urban centers of Metro Manila where they helped organize and establish one of the biggest church congregation in Philippine Wesleyan General Conference- the Cainta Wesleyan Church. This active and thriving congregation later gave birth to several churches in Metro Manila.

Bob and Kay Bickert’s ministry to the Filipinos through the Wesleyan World Mission is multi-faceted. They served as Bible school teachers, church planters, field trainers, counselors, disciplers, confidants and friends.

Leaving their footprints

There is no denying that the Bickert’s almost 5 decades of missionary work truly contributed to the growth of the Philippine Wesleyan Church! They left a tremendous mark in the lives of thousands of Filipinos both among the church workers and the laities. Their influences both in the church congregations and in individuals like me and my family are their beautiful and precious legacies. Indeed, their beautiful feet left indelible footprints! (The Bickerts started their Philippine mission work in 1970.)

Although they were already in their retirement age, they kept going back to the Philippines involving themselves in training pastors and leaders. I kept receiving their regular Missionary Bulletin Reports up until 2019!

Beyond the harvest field

Robert Bickert’s love for the Filipino people went far beyond his labor in the harvest field. He took it to the academic arena for an in-depth study of the Filipino culture, aimed at understanding and improving approaches to evangelism and church growth. His doctoral dissertation which consists of 637 pages is a testament to Dr. Robert Andrew Bickert’s deep love, compassion and genuine interest for the Filipino people.

He took great lengths in studying and understanding the Philippine social practices which include the subjects of compadreze (alliance and kinship). hiya (shame), pakikisama (smooth interpersonal relations), utang na loob (debt of gratitude), and amor-propio (sense or love for self). His doctoral dissertation is entitled “Perception and Response to Receptivity: The History and Growth of the Wesleyan Church in the Philippines 1932-1994.”

He covered a lot of grounds in this academic work making him an expert and an authority in the subjects of history and expansion of the Wesleyan Church in the Philippines.

Washing the beautiful feet

One of our visits to the Bickerts in Wilmore Kentucky was very special and memorable to me. My wife Edita and I wanted to show them our gratitude and appreciation. We had no materials things to offer. But our hearts were filled with love. I dug my garden and brought Bob my green and white variegated hostas. We had the fondest conversation on ministry and family matters while planting the hostas. While Edita helped Kay prepare dinner in the kitchen.

At night after dinner, Edita brought out the portable foot spas, filled them with warm water and poured some soothing essential oils. Edita washed and soothed Madam Kay’s feet while I did Brother Bob’s. “Your beautiful, tired feet needed some TLC, I joked.”

While washing their feet, we listened to their interesting tales of trekking the mountainside of the Cordilleras and walking the busy streets of Metro Manila to bring the good news, proclaim peace, bring good tidings and proclaim salvation to the Filipino people. And they have tons of stories accumulated within the 50 years of dedicated missionary service.

Robert Bickert- Our Hero

When we heard of Bro Bob’s fight with cancer, my wife and I visited him in Wilmore. We were warned by the family that we may not be able to interact with him well because of his worsening condition.

But he surprised everyone when on the day of our visit he was up on his feet to welcome us. He joined us at the dining table and had several servings of the Filipino food I cooked. He sang and prayed with us. He sat on his easy chair and shared his fond memories of their missionary journey in the Philippines mentioning names, dates and events with amazing details.

One of the highlights of our visit was when he presented to us his recently completed book on the indigenous people- the Igorots of the Mountain Province. The date on the manuscript was March 23, 2021. We visited him on April 1, He passed away on April 13, 2021.

Even in his sick bed, he had the Filipinos in his heart and mind. Robert Bickert is truly our hero!

Robert Bickert was wearing a Barong Tagalog- a Philippine Native shirt as he laid to rest in a simple pine coffin made by his son Timothy. He wished to be buried like Igorots. Even in his death he expressed his love for the Filipinos.

Robert Birckert has finally heard the Master saying “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

HONORING A WAR HERO
(Read by Edita Valenzuela during the funeral service.)

Today, April 17, two princes are being laid to rest.
Prince Philip of England- the husband and consort of Queen Elizabeth.
The other prince is Robert Bickert. He is also a prince because he is a child of the King of kings.
But Robert Bickert was not just a prince. He was a warrior of God.

For 50 years he and his beloved wife Kay marched into the frontline of the war zone- the mission field. They fearlessly fought the enemy, they rescued souls of men and women. They helped build fortresses (churches) around the world many of them in the Philippines.

Yes, Bob Bickert is a war veteran. He is indeed a hero!
And so, on behalf of the Filipino people (touched by his life) and the Wesleyan Church of the Philippines, we the Filipinos present in this memorial/funeral service are presenting the flag of the Philippines to Bob Bickert and his family.
Madam Kay Bickert, you are a living hero and we’re also honoring you today!Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Gi and Edita Valenzuela, Angelito & Marivic Malaca, Aldean & Jessie Pablo.

We love you Brother Bob and Madam Kay. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Maraming Salamat po!

Agyaman kami apo!

Paalam! (Goodbye)

Attacks on Asian Americans are on the rise. Asians are being blamed for the emergence of Covid-19. Targeted are my own kind: the elderly Asians. The crime is being perpetrated not just in one location but in different parts of the United States. It is feared that the hate crime will only escalate in the coming days and months. I’m bracing myself!

In Chicago where I reside, an elderly Asian man was attacked in broad daylight in Chinatown. The latest (as of this writing) happened in New York subway where an elderly Filipino was slashed on the face with a box cutter. In San Francisco an 84 year-old Thai man was attacked and killed while taking a walk at a neighborhood street. In San Jose California an elderly Vietnamese woman was attacked and robbed. In Oakland, California (Chinatown), the brutal attack on a 91 year-old man while walking by the side street was caught on surveillance camera. It is believed that there are many other incidents of hate crimes against Asians that are not reported.

If you think that attacks like these are just happening in big cities, that’s wrong. In Naperville, Illinois -west suburbs of Chicago just next town from where I live, there was an incident involving an elderly Asian man. The 61-year was attacked by two women while jogging. He was pelted with stones, logs and sticks, called out racial slurs, spat on and was told “to go home” to China.

A reporter noted that two thirds of hate crime incidents are perpetrated toward non-Chinese Asians.

In New York City police data shows there were 24 anti- Asian hate crimes related to the the corona virus between January 1- November 29, 2020, compared to only three anti-Asian hate crimes in the same period in 2019. It is believed that xenophobic comments by powerful politicians has fueled the hate crimes.

Consequently, elderly Asians are forced to avoid public places for fear of their lives….and that includes me. I perfectly fit the profile: elderly Asian. I can easily be spotted in a crowd, short, brown skin, grey hair. I’m an easy prey!

What’s being done?

Increase attacks in New York prodded the NYPD to organize Asian Hate Crimes Task Force.

In Oakland, California residents are not just relying on the police force, communities are organizing to reduce crime in their neighborhoods.

Victims are encouraged to report incidents.

President Joe Biden signed a memorandum denouncing xenophobic attacks. (I wonder what’s really being done)

My personal Response

I am saddened, disheartened, frustrated and scared!!!!

When I took an oath to be a citizen of this country, I felt proud to be living in the “land of the free and home of the brave”. I am really enjoying that freedom in many aspects of my life . However, the escalated xenophobic climate in America has taken a big chunk of that “freedom”. Fear for my life is robbing me of that bravery.

Alas, indeed! Gone are the times where I would hop on a Metra train to go to Chicago downtown. When I reach the Ogilby station, I would stop by the foodcourt and order several burgers and fries. Then I would freely and leisurely walk around and find some street friends. It wouldn’t take too long before my meager supply is gone. I wish I had more burgers and fries to share so I could walk a little farther down Canal Street and maybe turn around Monroe.

Gone are the times when I would prefer to walk from the Ogilby train station to Michigan Avenue to pay a visit to the Philippine Consular Office and along the way drop a buck or two to a panhandler’s cup and strike an interesting conversation.

Those were precious enjoyable moments that may not come again.

Should I really be scared? Should I be paranoid? Will I imprison myself within the walls of my house and perimeters of my yard? That would be a terrible life!

I’ve preached many a times on the subject of fear. I have used a number of Bible verses to teach and expound on the theme. So while I’m locking myself up in the comfort and safety of my home, I’m reviewing these lessons that I may apply them in my current situation.

My personal encounter with a (bigot)?

Every summer, my church schedules an event at a public park. We would reserve and pay (well ahead of time) a picnic shelter to conduct an outdoor worship service followed by a picnic. While setting up the place, a woman came by and asked me: “Hey, how long are you guys staying here? We need this place!” Surprised with what I heard (and how it was said) I wasn’t able to respond immediately. And when I was about to answer she forcefully interjected and said with a voice of contempt : “Oh! Never mind, I’ll find someone who understands and speaks English.” And while she was turning away, I thought I heard her say some racist slur.

This encounter is nothing compared to what had been done to other Asians. There was no bodily harm perpetrated. Nevertheless, it may leave an emotional scar. But the recognition of human depravity and ignorance had led to understanding and forgiveness. Hence, the harm intended had no effect on me.

“Lord forgive them for they don’t know what they’re doing.”

I saw, experienced and fell in love with the fall season (autumn) the very first time my family and I arrived in America, August of 1994. From that time on, I wanted to paint and capture the beautiful colors on a canvas. But my busy life in the USA did not allow me to do that. It took 26 long years before I had the luxury of time to paint.

And when I finally did, I made a marathon painting session this Fall 2020. I did not just paint one but several canvas pieces!

Before actually and personally seeing the amazing change of colors, I was already an admirer of the fall season. I saw them on magazines, calendars, post cards, books and movies. I made clippings, book covers and bookmarks out of them.

The tropical climate in the Philippines and in the Sultanate of Oman where I lived before migrating to America does not create a condition for changing colors.

So I wondered how fall really looked like. And when I finally saw and experienced it, a dream came true. I was amazed! I felt like I was on a wonderland. As a matter of fact, the mesmerizing fall colors transforms the landscape to a wonderful wonderland! Like a little kid, I collected fallen leaves of different colors-laid them on the dining table, pinned them on the wall, admired them.

I remember walking on a tree-lined road on my way to school (Asbury Seminary). As the dried crispy leaves crash under my feet, I can’t help but sing “How Great Thou Art” in awe and wonderment. Every fall season, I take time to watch God’s spectacular show. And as I marveled at God’s colorful spectacle, I wondered how colorful life would be in America! As the years went by, I witness how the Creator, the Master Artist of all splash colors into my life!

In the last 26 years that my family and I had been in America, I humbly testify that my life had been very exciting- full of colors so to speak. But unlike the leaves that eventually dry and lose the vibrance of color, God’s colors in my life are always fresh and do not fade, for His mercy is new every morning! I thank and praise the Lord with all my heart!

There’s more to come! For the meantime here are some photos of Fall 2020

It’s been two years since I sold my restaurant. What a relief to have been freed from the stresses of running a very demanding business.

But cooking remains an interest I want to pursue. I enjoy cooking not only for my family but for other people.

I’m now cooking again in a big kitchen. A Senior Living facility hired me as a part-time cook. This all happened during the height of the global pandemic.

People working in a facility like this are hailed as heroes. But I think I don’t deserve such a recognition. I’m just a cook. What’s heroic about that?

I reserve the title of a hero to those who save lives—the doctors, nurses caregivers and first responders. Working in this facility, I meet some of them. But there’s one that stands out!

Meet Lucy

Lucy was just a puppy when she was rescued from an animal shelter. She was trained to be Therapy Dog at the Senior Living Facility.

Everyone loves Lucy. She’s an important part of the staff of the Senior Living facility. The residents know Lucy and Lucy knows each of the residents. She visits them in their rooms daily.

Lucy the Therapist

A Therapy dog is trained to provide affection, comfort and support to people. Therapy dogs bring many physical benefits to humans they visit. They help lower blood pressure and heart rate, reduce anxiety and increase levels of endorphins and oxytocin.

Dogs also learn how to respond to unsettling situations, unfamiliar sights and sounds.

Research has shown therapy dogs can reduce stress and provide a sense of connection in difficult situations

Dogs can also sense stress or fear by using their keen sense of smell. They can detect when a person is sweating due to being anxious or afraid.

Lucy the Faithful Servant

No one can beat Lucy’s dedication to service. She’s been serving the facility for 15 years now. So in dog years she would be 105 years—much older than any of the residents. Lucy herself is now a Senior and has been on medication for diabetes, arthritis and other old folks’ ailments. On days that I cook, someone comes to the kitchen saying, “Can you give Lucy a piece of ham to go with her pills?”

But Lucy still makes her daily rounds, faithfully giving comfort and friendship to the senior residents.

Lucy the Real Hero

Lucy did a remarkable job recently. She literary SAVED a resident’s life!!

In the morning of June 3rd, Lucy visited Mrs. Jones (not her real name) in her room. She found the sweet old lady laying on her bed and her breakfast untouched. This was unusual for Mrs. Jones, who usually welcomed Lucy, picked her up and pet her.

Lucy sensed danger. She started barking loudly. She is normally calm, quiet and gentle and so this show of restlessness was very noticeable to those familiar with Lucy. She ran the stretch of the hallway towards the reception desk and found Nurse Mary. Lucy barked all the more getting Nurse Mary’s attention. Lucy beckoned Nurse Mary to follow her to Mrs. Jones’ room.

Nurse Mary found Mrs. Jones lying on her bed unresponsive. The paramedics were called and rushed Mrs. Jones to the hospital.

Mrs. Jones is well now and back to her room in the Senior Living Facility. Thanks to Lucy who saved her life!

The other hero in this story is Nurse Mary. It’s amazing how she responded to the prodding of the Therapy Dog. Had she ignored Lucy’s call for help, the heroic action would not have been made. This remarkable human and animal teamwork is worthy of recognition.

Lucy and Nurse Mary are well deserving of awards such as employees of the month and employees of the year.

But better still if both are conferred the

“Life Achievement Award.”

Humans are social being. We are made to connect, interact and socialize. When the normal way of human interaction was interrupted, we find ways to create a new normal.

When lockdowns and stay at home rules were implemented for social distancing, people turned to technology and other creative means to keep human connection going.

Church services are now conducted through different social media platforms. It’s now normal to see live stream of church services on Facebook and meeting for Bible studies and other church activities on Zoom. My church- Lord of the Nations meet on Sunday, 3 PM via Zoom. That’s the new normal.

Birthday celebrations are done through virtual parties. My daughter Gilary’s Zoom birthday party was attended by friends from Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and the Philippines. At the party which lasted for many hours, they played games, sang and danced. That’s the new normal

My daughter Gilda’s friend Teana will have a “drive by” baby shower. Friends are decorating their cars with balloons, ribbons and posters. Gifts will be dropped off by the curb. That’s the new normal.

My daughter-in-law Lyndee, a schools teacher meets her pre-school students through video. That’s the new normal.

Jeanna Brown, a member of church got her first job as a music teacher through a series of video interviews… to the delight of her parents Carla and Gene. That’s the new normal.

Have you gotten used to the new normal? I invite you to share your experience. I’m sure you’ve dabbled into it one way or another. Please share your story in the comment section.