Roller Coaster Year of 1999

The year 1999 was like a roller coaster for me. It had very high climaxes and very deep troughs.

In January, I was 6 months pregnant. My pregnancy by then had been healthy and peaceful.

I was leaving at my workplace and didn't have to commute to work. I had peace of mind because of the subsidised comfortable accommodation at the workplace. I lived there with my husband, a young 4 year old son, and our housekeeper.

Sometime in early February, while on night duty, I received a very unpleasant visitor who turned my life upside down for the rest of my existence. I was hurt emotionally beyond words but was unable to shed a single tear. Mechanically, I handled the situation as best as I could. I was concerned about my pregnancy, fearing that extreme stress may cause a miscarriage. However, praise be to GOD that did not happen. I can't even recall events of March 1999 due to the overwhelming worry that I experienced at the time. I eventually delivered a healthy baby girl on in April 1999, and I was ecstatic. The beautiful baby girl is exactly what I had prayed for. The joy I felt numbed all the pain of the prior 3 months.

For 4 months , April to July, I nursed her and thoroughly enjoyed breastfeeding her and taking care of her. I did not get a chance to do either of these with my son because I was in my final years of studying a very demanding undergraduate degree at university.

It was such a pleasure to care for both my newborn daughter and then 5 year old son. It was delightful to bond with both my children. It had a great impact on my life. I am very grateful for this opportunity that I got to spend quality time with my children in their early life.

At the beginning of January 1999 , I applied for a new job with a senior post. At the end of July 1999, I got a response informing me that I had got the job. I was overjoyed. The new job came with a bigger 3 bedroomed house, a company car, and unlimited fuel allowance. I thanked GOD for such incredible blessings. My parents were pleased with my achievements. I was glad to make them proud.

Unfortunately, at the end of August 1999, my Dad suffered brain injury from a fall. I rushed and drove to pick him up from a town 300km from the city that I lived in. I took the journey with my 4 months old daughter in the baby car seat. Arrived late evening to find my Dad semi-comatose. I didn't bother to call an ambulance but prepared to travel back to the city very early in the morning. I placed my Dad in the reclined front seat and my daughter in her baby car chair in the back seat. I had to stop often by the roadside to feed my daughter and check on my Dad. It's the most difficult journey I have ever made in my life so far, but I had no choice but to do it.

When I got to the city, I took my Dad straight to the hospital, and that very day, he had brain surgery. He got all the care he required quickly. Five days later, he was ready for discharge. To me, his quick recovery was a miracle. He was weak and unable to walk unsupported, but within 3 months, he fully recovered. On the day of his discharge, I was even reluctant to take him home with me, but the hospital staff assured us it was safe. During his recovery, my Mom also stayed with us. It was a pleasant time we spent together despite his illness. In December my parents returned to their home and we were able to visit them at Christmas.

My young sister had just completed university studies overseas and was also able to join us for the holidays. Together, we planned for her graduation, which was taking place in March 2000. My Dad had retired, and he offered some of his pension to purchase the five air tickets required for the travel to my sister's graduation. What another incredible blessing just at the right time.

For me, 1999 is a testimony of the love of GOD and how GOD is always in control, planning the best outcomes in our lives. The promise in Jeremiah 29 verse 11, for me, is a constant memory in my mind.