This narrative is profoundly personal and centers around my courageous son, Tom Tom. Twenty years back, on April 8, 1995, our first child, a delightful baby boy, was born. Despite a normal delivery, our pediatrician detected an unusual heart murmur and recommended we consult the Philippine Heart Centre. Consumed by concern for his health, we swiftly sought their expertise, which confirmed a diagnosis of Complex Congenital Heart Disease-Single Ventricle. This moment marked my first encounter with the profound vulnerability of parenthood. Nevertheless, Tom Tom blossomed into a kind-hearted, self-reliant, intelligent, and charming young man. Our physical distance did nothing to weaken our bond; we remained closely connected, frequently engaging in online conversations and sharing our lives. His interests were varied: he was an avid reader with a complete set of the Hunger Games series, enjoyed writing journals and poetry, playing PS3 games, and had a penchant for cake and ice cream. Recently, he even took up drawing. His journey wasn't without its challenges, particularly a period of depression triggered by a hiatus from his studies due to his health. However, he remained engaged academically through participation in an English Communication program at World City Colleges in Manila. His desire to experience life as a regular student propelled him to persuade me to support his return to university, where he embarked on a degree in Psychology as a freshman. A particularly poignant memory for me is a Mother's Day message he sent; unbeknownst to me at the time, it would be his last. In the years that followed, despite his efforts to live a life unfettered by his health issues, his frequent hospital visits became more pronounced. Tom-Tom never relinquished hope, even when family tensions arose, particularly with his father. I endeavored to ease his concerns, encouraging him not to dwell too deeply on such matters, though his anxiety was palpable. I sent motivational videos to uplift him, yet he struggled to escape the weight of his emotions. Maintaining my composure has been difficult; I've managed to put on a brave face at work and with friends. Nonetheless, each hospitalization brought a flood of worry over his condition, tempered only by hope for his recovery. I never imagined he would surrender to his struggles, having always urged him, "Do not give up for Mommy." Yet, on June 13, 2015, we said goodbye to beloved Tom Tom. https://www.facebook.com/viiinsebastian
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