29 December 2018 was the day our lives changed forever. I still ask "Why?" every single day.

 

My son Raniel brought church youths to Marina Barrage for a day out. On his way back to the van, he fainted. No one with him knew CPR. But a passer-by did — she performed it until the ambulance arrived. The medics continued all the way to Singapore General Hospital's Accident & Emergency Department.

 

It was when we were at the hospital were we then informed of the unfortunate news. The doctor told us Raniel’s heart had stopped for twenty minutes. No oxygen to his brain. Severe brain injury.

 

Now he’s bedridden. Can’t speak. Limbs contracted. A trachea tube for feeding and for coughing out phelgm.

 

On 7 December 2025, he turns 34. Seven years have passed. They’ve been the hardest of my life — but my son is still here. And for that, I am grateful.