I shortened my trip to come back to Singapore to visit one warrior and luckily I was in time.
Even though in Singapore, there are no wars, there are warriors amongst us. My mum is one of them. She has fought 100 over battles against her illnesses and despite losing one of her limbs, she is still fighting. And she has been fighting for nearly 20 years. Many times when doctor says she don’t have much time. She still believe she will triumph against it. She has won so many battles and I hope she will this time round. It’s disheartening when the doctor ask us to prepare all the things ready for her leaving and to let her unfinished wishes be fulfilled.

I qualified for a Convention Trip to Istanbul followed by an extension to Dubai with my colleagues. However, the first day I reached Istanbul, I received several WhatsApp from my sister about my mum condition deteriorating.  I was worried and did not enjoyed the trip. I called my dad when I went back to the hotel and my dad told me the doctor says my mum only has a few days to live. I was saddened by the news although it’s not the first time the doctor says my mum’s chance was slim. I was worried that by the time I fulfilled my trip, I may not even be able to attend her funeral. Therefore, I decided to cancel my extension and tried to book the earliest possible flights home.

In this unforeseen event, I would like to share some of my advice:

• I was unable to claim from my single trip travel insurance as my mum was already in the hospital when I travelled. So if you do travelled annually, please do purchase annual travel insurance in order to avoid any surprises.
• No matter how rich we are, we can never buy back health.
  My mum took many slimming pills when she was younger. Not too sure if this is the main reason but definitely one of the factor in my opinion.
  Please be content with yourself. If you do feel that you are more fleshy, please do not pop slimming pills. Do it the nature way by controlling your diet and do more exercise. It’s the safest and you will feel good. There are various videos on YouTube that you could even exercise at home.
• Do ensure you have a medical insurance plan that covers as-charged benefits. My mum has been in and out of hospital on a monthly basis for a 3 days 2 nights for the past 18 years. Sometimes, several months. Her medishield has been terminated after 4 years of her sickness as she has reached the maximum claim limit even though she’s only staying in B2 and C wards. She’s also not 建国一代.