Let's start afresh again. Coz you know why? It started to rain again yesterday; and this morning we had another shower. Wuhoo... I mean that's really great coz the weather's getting better. I was still lying on the bed when I heard something like water dripping somewhere else. I was very skeptical despite keeping a very high hope for the rain. Can't blame me for that. It's been the same ritual, always thought I heard the rain the first thing in the morning and later found that it was the water leaking from the aircond. So, it was really exciting. We have not had any rain for the past...I can't even recall, yes, that really long. But still, the afternoon heat is so intense.Something had been bugging me last night. Sometimes I felt so much for the illegal immigrants. I don't mean the nasty ones. Most of them actually came over to look for a better life. I am not talking about those in Kelantan where the Thais and other citizens crossing over the border to marry older ladies and later dumping them after gaining citizenships.
Are we aware that there are many illegal immigrants who had been the second generation here in our land (cehh...sounds so possesive). Their parents came without valid documentations and later gave birth to kids here. While the kids are deprived of the basic facilities and had to pay much more for the same thing we get here, they lead a closeted lives. Whereas for the same thing, those who seek for stability and job usually remain back.
What I am worried is because of the increasing medical costs, some opted to even risk their lives than paying that extra hard cold cash. Ram was trying to deliver at home one night when she felt the contraction pain. Despite the medical personnel advicel, she was adamant and tried her luck to deliver at home because if the baby came out easily, she would have saved so much, even for the milk and other baby stuff. She is 40 and to have her first baby, that's really a risk. So, she didn't make it. She ended up in the hospital.
When there were people around her kept telling her how stubborn and foolish she was to deliver at home despite all the advice, she just dropped her head down because she failed and came for help. She knew she was foolish but that's life. She remained quiet even though people had been saying words that were not pleasing to the ears. I felt a sudden pity. I don't really know her well. She might be a loud person at home. She might be a nasty person at home. But being silent, I felt that she had placed down her dignity. And that's the last thing one person could do. She was defenseless. She needed help, and not some demeaning words. Later, she was sent for an emergency surgery.
There are thousands and thousands of people like Ram in the country and there will be even more coming. We won't feel it when we are not in their shoes. This country is not really that green as portrayed. I believe there are many of our people who decided to reside in other countries in the hope of searching better lives. I know many who did and decided not to come back. Again, the land is greener on the other end. There are so many asians who are living in the western countries hiding themselves and deprived of basic medical care. The last thing they are going to worry is about their health, because as long as they could work, they'll find the money.
I remember once I watched the then popular medical drama on tv, ER. There was one episode when this lil asian mother cried desperately and went to the hospital but none helped her because she didn't own any insurance and no, she wasn't sick, it's her son. Her son was freezing outside afraid to get to the hospital, afraid of being caught. So she was there crying. Noticed her, one concern doctor went to find out what was happening. With her limited English language, she told the doc that her son was very sick outside. He took some meds and went outside secretly to see the son. I was so touched but also angry at the same time because why he had to secretly sneak out while helping a poor soul? Why can't a person be treated under such a compassionate ground. I am not blaming the doc and I can't even blame the system.
We also have to understand that the system is needed to generate income so that health care can be improved and maintained. Where do the meds come from if it's not from the tax or the insurance that we are paying. Thus, I am and will be continually having this conflicting feelings. It's frustrating but that's how life goes. We take the stake and risks. Things turn well, it's gonna be fine. But what bout otherwise?I could only remain quiet and whispered a few words under my breath,hoping everything will turn out right. And last night was a peaceful one.
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