An hour after he left our house to lecture at the hospital where he worked, I learnt that my husband, Segaran had suffered a stroke. Feelingstrangely detached, I went over to the image of the Divine Mercy and said, “Jesus, I trust in you” and to Mother Mary, it was simply to say, “Mother, you know what to do”.
It was a day after our 35th wedding anniversary on the 5th of October 2014. I messaged two wonderful friends who very quickly alerted our Parish priest, Father Martin, BECs and other church ministries to pray for him. By the time my sister and I reached Adventist Hospital, there was a reassuring avalanche of prayer messages.
AnMRI scan confirmed an infarct or clot in the brain which had affected Segaran’s speech. He could not form words,breaking down in frustration despite assurances that many people were praying for him.
Then within 30 minutes of our arrival at the Emergency Room, the situation began to change dramatically….without treatment.
My sister, Jesinta and I watched as 90% of Segaran’s speech returned. The Cardiologist cancelled the bed booked in ICU. To test his reflexes, the Neurologist ordered oral medicinewhich he swallowed without difficulty.The stroke test score was a healthy 2 over 40. (Higher score being unhealthy)
Surprisingly Segaran was discharged on the 3rd day and returned to work after 2 weeks. Relatives, colleagues and friends who were planning to visit were equally amazed at his speedy recovery.
The following is Segaran’s own words:
Well, I must say it was myscariest moment and I thought it was the end of me but with God’s grace I managed to recover fast. I became so emotional and I cried despite being a strong person… it is hard to explain.
His recovery was due to the power of prayers and the solidarity of church and BECs which came together in our hour of need. We are grateful for all their love and support. Two weeks after Segaran’s discharge, we came as a family to church to offer thanksgiving to the Divine Mercy. On Sunday, 9th November 2014, we travelled to Sungai Batu to thank Our Lady of Immaculate Conception for her powerful intercession.
Segaran& Elizabeth