What a Friend I have in Jesus!

I got a shock yesterday (29/1/09) when I called home as usual just to check on my parents when my brother answered the phone in tears. I couldn't talk much with him because he had to attend to my dad who was not well. I started to get worried and bursted into tears as I imagined the worst. This is the second time in the span of ten years since I left my family and hometown to follow God's leading that my Dad fell terribly ill to the point of almost losing him. The first time was back in 2001 when he came down with pneumonia and was hospitalized twice before he was fully restored. That time I was able to fly back the next day to be by his side with the rest of the family. So as I waited anxiously for them to let me know the situation I smsed a couple of friends and colleagues to stand with me in prayer because I felt utterly helpless! As the hours went by my sister and brother called me to fill me in on what was happening. My dad went into a fit as a result of hypoglycemia- dangerously low blood sugar level at barely just 2% which if my family didn't make it to the hospital in time might have caused him to go into shock and possibly a coma. They brought him to a private hospital where they gave him initial treatment of pushing up his sugar level then he was sent to the General Hospital for further treatment at the intensive emergency unit until 5 in the morning before the hospital released him after being satisfied with his overall condition. All these happened while I'm thousands of miles away from home feeling helpless and only able to pray, cry and hope for God's goodness to comfort my dad and my alarmed family. One friend replied my sms saying how hard it must be for me because I'm so far from them-which was exactly how I felt. And on top of that I was all alone and felt so alone. Others replied with the same kindness and comforting words and prayers. That calmed me and reminded me truly what a FRIEND I have in Jesus and because of that I'm never on my own. I couldn't sleep even after 1 am and every now and then I would cry as emotions overwhelmed me. But I was exhausted that I finally fell asleep and woke up at about 5 something when I got an sms from my brother that they have reached home and my dad was getting better. I called my mother again at lunch time just to find out how things were. She said that Dad was getting much stronger and I told her to tell my Dad to take care of himself by eating regular to regulate his blood sugar level. He had not been eating well the last couple of months and back then was already showing the symptoms of hypoglycemia and I think this was the last straw. I think I understand why he is in that state - probably they are going through the emotional turmoil of the empty nest syndrome. When we all of us the children are at home he seemed to enjoy the family meals but when they are on their own they don't eat properly and at times skip their meals. Lord, please be my parents best Friend even as they deal with a lot of emotional challenges that they are struggling with as they grow older and becoming more and more on their own. Moments like these makes me cherish my parents more and wish that I can be there near them yet I know I have been called to follow in the Master's footstep to where He is leading me to fulfill His purposes. Am grateful that my parents have come to terms with this and has actually given me their blessings to pursue God's calling. Am glad that I can still care for them even from a distance. Anyway, I'm still recovering from the strong feelings I had yesterday and hope that God's presence will continue to sustain them. I'm assured, Lord that as you have called me out You will be there for my loved ones...in that I will rest my heart and mind and continue my pursuit of Your calling.