My Christmas Story
Hello EB Community!
Today I like to share with you my Christmas story. Hope you will find meaning in it as well.
*A Journey of Faith, Resilience, and Recovery: My Story of Overcoming a Cerebellar Stroke*
It’s almost a week to Christmas 2024, and I am led to share this personal story of my recent health experience. I hope my sharing will empower others in their stroke recovery journey too.
As I reflect on Christmas—the celebration of Jesus’ birth—I am filled with deep gratitude and awe. Over 2,000 years ago, the Savior of the world entered into our brokenness to bring light, hope, and salvation. This year, His birth holds an even greater meaning for me. Just as He came to save the world, I feel with all my heart that He came to save me in my hour of need.
Life changed for me unexpectedly on 4th June 2024. What started as a seemingly normal day quickly spiraled into one of the most terrifying experiences of my life. Without warning, I lost my balance, felt overwhelmingly dizzy, and began retching violently. My body broke out in cold sweat, felt out of control, and I couldn’t understand what was happening. But crazy enough, I even went home and ‘tahan’ from that Tuesday to Saturday evening, when I was rushed to the hospital, fearing for my life. In fact, the ambulance ride was so bad, I thought I would never make it to the hospital. That was on the 8th June 2024, 6pm.
Initially at Sengkang General Hospital, I told the doctors I had severe food poisoning (as I couldn’t stop retching) and I was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), with my blood sugar soaring to 28 and cholesterol to 9. According to the books, readings at these levels will imply my organs were shutting down and I could at any moment lapsed into coma. But I didn’t.
Although, the doctors managed to stabilise my vitals, my symptoms persisted—unrelenting dizziness, violent retching, and complete inability to walk—it became clear that something more serious was at play. A brain MRI on June 14 revealed the truth: I had suffered a serious cerebellar stroke.
The news was shocking. A stroke? At 60? I had no prior history of diabetes and had always considered myself healthy. Yet here I was, bedridden, unable to eat or open my eyes for days, relying on nutrition through IV drops and constant care. Being on diapers and having the nurses constantly come and change me, took some getting used to too.
The fear of becoming permanently disabled was overwhelming. I clung to my faith and prayed fervently for healing, trusting that God would see me through.
*The Miracle of Recovery*
The MRI showed the cerebellar stroke had left marked patches in both sides of my brain, but by God’s grace, I began to recover in ways that baffled even the medical professionals. Most stroke patients spend months in the hospital, yet I was discharged in just over one week after I was transferred to the stroke ward (once the stroke was detected). Slowly but surely, with the help of excellent, kind, and encouraging physiotherapists, I relearned how to walk and care for myself. Every step I took felt like a victory. I celebrate every small milestone and I was determined to be well again. I am very grateful to my husband Dexter who was my silent pillar and my dear helper Santi who made sure I was well taken care of at home. Not forgetting my dear friend, Suan Ngoh who came to nurse and encourage me in my darkest moments especially, when I was feeling mentally exhausted and lost. Kudos also to my children for their love and support.
My recovery was not just medical—it was spiritual. During those darkest days in the hospital, when I couldn’t even lift my head, I focused on Jesus. I prayed, asking for strength, for healing, and for the ability to return to the life I loved. And He answered. My progress felt nothing short of miraculous.
Now, as I celebrate Christmas, I am reminded that just as Jesus came into the world to bring healing to our souls, He brought healing to my body and spirit in ways I could never have imagined. His birth is a promise fulfilled—a reminder that no matter how dark the night, the light of hope shines through.
*The Role of Natural Healing and Faith*
Looking back, I believe my years of prioritizing health through natural supplements played a pivotal role in my recovery. For 17 years, I had been taking network antioxidants, inspired by Dr. Lester Packer’s research, to support my overall well-being. These included alpha lipoic acid, CoQ10, vitamin E tocopherols and tocotrienols, vitamin C, and a blend of other nutrients that I formulated into a product called VigourCells, licensed by Health Canada. I truly believe these antioxidants firstly helped to boost my innate master antioxidant, glutathione, they also helped protect my brain and body from more severe damage.
After the stroke, I chose to replace some medications with natural alternatives under professional guidance. These changes, combined with a diet rich in nutrients, daily walking, gardening and trust in God, transformed my energy and resilience. Over time, my balance returned, my appetite improved, and I felt strong again.
*Six Months Later: A Full Recovery*
Now, six months after my hospitalisation, I can confidently say I am fully recovered. I can walk steadily, write, even cut with a knife, and perform all my daily tasks without difficulty. I have no loss of my mental faculties or physical abilities. I have even hosted several parties since. It’s as though the stroke never happened. But I know it did—and that it taught me invaluable lessons about health, faith, and the fragility of life.
This Christmas, I celebrate the gift of life in a new way. Jesus came into the world to save us—spiritually and sometimes, as I’ve experienced, physically. I feel like my recovery is a testimony of His power and love. Just as the angel announced to the shepherds that night in Bethlehem, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy,” I, too, am filled with the same joy. I am alive, well, and forever grateful.
*My Message to Others*
I want my story to be a source of hope for anyone going through a health crisis. A stroke doesn’t have to mean the end of your independence or quality of life. With timely medical intervention, a commitment to recovery, and faith in God, healing is possible.
If you or someone you love is facing similar challenges, I encourage you to:
1. Act quickly: Recognize the signs of stroke and seek medical help immediately.
2. Focus on health: Prioritize a nutrient-rich diet, supplements, and regular exercise.
3. Lean on faith: Prayer and trust in God were the foundation of my healing as well as keeping a positive mindset.
Like I have always told you, prevention is well and good. But the ability to recover is even better, like how I did when I too, fell through the gap.
I am grateful for the second chance I’ve been given, and I hope my journey inspires others to never give up. Life is precious, and with perseverance and divine grace, even the darkest days can lead to a brighter future.
Indeed, life is beautiful. Live it, and this Christmas, remember the reason we celebrate—the greatest gift of all, Jesus.
Agape,
❤️🌿 Rosemary
16th December 2024
PS. Took this picture yesterday morning at Sentosa where I went for a staycation!
You may like to share my story with someone you know who may need a leg up too!