I still remember the beginning of Mok’s sickness. He was unusually tired and even cancelled a Bible study. A few days later, dizziness struck him at work, and his colleague rushed him to NUH A&E. The doctors said it was vertigo. But Mok remained unwell. A friend suggested seeing an ENT specialist, who tried to treat him, but that night Mok vomited badly. Another church friend advised us to consult a doctor from our church. At Raffles Hospital, a CT scan revealed a mass in Mok’s brain. We were then referred to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, where a biopsy confirmed it was lymphoma. The doctor explained the treatment would be long and difficult.
Because the tumour was in his left ventricle lobe, Mok’s cognitive functions were affected. He couldn’t even tell the nurse if he was bleeding. My helper and I took turns caring for him around the clock—me from 8 am to 8 pm, and her through the night.
Yet in the midst of this trial, God met my needs in amazing ways. My brother, who lived in Thailand, arrived in Singapore the very day Mok was warded. He drove us to hospital appointments until Mok completed treatment in November 2012. My boss was understanding and gave me leave whenever needed. A church friend even gave me her house keys so I could rest when others stepped in to help.
What sustained me was learning to trust God daily. A doctor once told me, “Don’t worry ahead of time. When symptoms appear, then deal with them.” That advice helped me focus on the present. I celebrated small victories and planned one thing to look forward to each day, like chatting with a close friend. Most of all, I held on to Psalm 34:4–5: “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.”
Mok often expressed gratitude for my care. With God’s help, I am thankful I could fulfill my role as a wife, standing by him through his sickness. Truly, the Lord carried us through.
