A blessed Sunday.

Today, I woke up early to go to church, as many others did. But while many woke up to take part of a traditional Simbang Gabi, I woke up with a stronger purpose: to give thanks to Him.

Yesterday, I was discharged from the hospital. It has been my third hospitalization in two months. I was there since wednesday. It was the usual story: my hemoglobin got low to 62 so I would need blood transfusion. On thursday the week before it was 74. I was transfused with three bags of blood, it should've been four if not for the constrain in blood supply at DOH. I left the hospital with a hemoglobin count of 88 -- still low, but i'd rather not wait indefinitely for bags of blood that may or may not be available.

So what am I thanking Him for? I'm obviously in bad shape. I look awfully pale. My social life, love life and sex life, they are in a complete hiatus. I can't work. I can't do the things I would normally do.

But there are lots to be thankful for.

I thank Him for RITM, its doctors, nurses and staff. They are a true blessing to me. I have never received such level of service, compassion and genuine care from any other health service provider, public or private. The service I receive is such a pleasure that it's very easy to forget that RITM is a public hospital.

I thank Him for the numerous free health services. Compared to other chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, etc., HIV is easy on the wallet in the Philippines because of the availability of free drugs, free lab tests, and free doctor consultation.

I thank Him for new friends, both virtual and real-life, who give me the support and inspiration I need. I thank Him especially for S, my adorable friend who has been there for me all the time. He has no idea how much inspiration he gives me.

I thank Him for taking care of my family. I'm thankful that my family is intact, and despite some difficult times, we continue to be a happy family.

I thank Him for giving me the courage and strength to live on, for without it I would've faltered and dwindled to depression.

And finally, I thank Him for this second chance in life. I have not been a perfect son, and I've succumbed to my weaknesses. With His help, may I become a better person.