Honoring Michael

My uncle, Michael Padua, had always been a pillar in our lives - always looking out for us, chatting with us for hours over simple nothings, joking around, making fun of each other, sharing even football night, and, ready to fight for us should things happen.

The reality that he is gone is still a bitter pill to swallow. I, for one, can’t believe that I am penning this now. He had been one of the main people who had pushed and helped me reach my dream to be a published writer. It’s hard to believe the next thing I am to write is this. It’s painful to start referring to him in the past tense.

In September 2024, Michael was found on the floor of his room. He was in a terrible condition - a breath away from death. 911 was called and even they were shocked with what they saw. Head to toe…I apologize for being a bit graphic…he suffered so bad - his eczema (it is a condition where the skin becomes really dry and itchy, making the skin enflamed), and a possible allergy to one of his maintenance medications - he scratched his skin away, literally. He was also in absolute pain.

The doctors had a difficult time understanding what was happening or even offering a diagnosis. It took the doctors about a week to even have a working diagnosis. That first seventy four hours in the hospital, Michael had to be put and maintained in an induced coma to ease his pain. The doctors told us to prepare ourselves. With bated breath, we watched the clock and prayed. Every second… every minute…every hour…every time the phone rang…no words could possibly describe the anxiety.

By the grace of God, Michael started to slowly recover so much so that he was brought out of the induced coma after a month. He started talking, was coherent, and started PT. The doctors were even talking about possibly starting him with a soft diet.

Everybody of course was elated about the trickle of good news. We all started to let go of the anxiety. That’s why when the life-changing phone call arrived on October 21, 2024…it stunned all of us. We were at a loss for words.

Michael started complaining that he couldn’t breathe. He was intubated but then the doctors encountered a lot of blood. Unfortunately, the bleeding couldn’t be controlled so his heart simply…stopped. They tried their hardest to get him back but…they had to make that agonizing call.

In retrospect…his heart condition…kidney situation…skin integrity problems…bombardment of antibiotics and other medications…Michael’s spirit and mind might have been strong…but his body…it was too much. Logically, it makes sense…more humane to let him go…but as a loved one, of course we all would have preferred to keep fighting and for Michael to hold on. God called Michael home instead. It’s Michael’s time to rest and be free from pain.

Us being in North America, my mom Maria, brother, and I had to start making the excruciating phone calls to Michael’s mother, brothers, sisters-in-law, nephews, and niece in the Philippines. It was about 4 a.m. in the Philippines at that time. Imagine being woken up in the middle of the night to be told this terrible news…

No one wanted to accept…to the point that no one wanted to say anything…share anything outside the family until the next day. It took us 12-24 hour hours to come to terms that Michael is gone.

Michael had fought a daunting, painful, and long battle. It is bittersweet that he’s no longer suffering because it means he’s no longer with us. Now, it’s time for him to finally return home to the Philippines.

Michael had not been home for over twenty years. In his final journey home, we are all determined to send him off with the dignity, honor and respect that he most definitely deserves. But…we need help. The last hospital stay had involved such a rollercoaster of critical moments and intensive treatments. It had been more than draining in all aspects.

In the middle of our grief, the amount we have to come up with from the funeral, cremation, memorial, documentation and certifications from the Philippine embassy, and international travel fees it will take to bring him back to the Philippines is absolutely disheartening.

If you are compelled to donate out of the goodness of your heart, please know that every single cent will be much appreciated. Please HELP US bring him home.

God bless you and I pray for you and your family’s health.

With much gratitude and in behalf of the Padua family,

Kim

October 26, 2024:

To everyone who has already given, our gratitude is beyond words. Your kindness has helped us take care of the many essential details, allowing us to bring him home to the Philippines with dignity and peace. Because of you, we have been able to cover the cost of his cremation, memorial services, and all the documentation needed for his journey from New York to his final resting place. You have eased a great burden for our family, and we are so deeply grateful for your support.

This fundraiser will close at the end of November.

Thank you for being part of his journey home and for showing such love and compassion.