IV insertion: Reflections

 

This was the first time Muawiyah had an IV insertion to his palm. Inserting the IV catheter is a very painful experience - even for us adults - the Paediatrician Doctor forewarned that children are expected to shout, cry, and fight back. 

Brace yourself 🙈

It went as expected - and I'm glad the doctor gave this heads up. By flushing it out early, at least we can set up our  expectations and be prepared. 

Oof.. It was difficult. Even looking at his response was painful. Throughout the entire time, I could see it in his eyes that he was crying for help, yet there was nothing I could do, except be present, hold his hand and say comforting words.  

Alhamdulillah, Muawiyah has been recovering well since then; but oh boy, was it a touching experience for a parent - One made even more profound as I am immediately reminded of the following verses in surah Al-Waqi'ah #83-85, where Allah describes the experience we go through when we witness other people people in their last moments on the deathbed: 

فَلَوْلاَ إِذَا بَلَغَتِ الْحُلْقُومَ - وَأَنتُمْ حِينَئِذٍ تَنظُرُونَ - وَنَحْنُ أَقْرَبُ إِلَيْهِ مِنكُمْ وَلَـكِن لاَّ تُبْصِرُونَ 

"Then - while you are seeing in the moment - why do you not (intervene) when (the dying soal) reaches the throat? 

But We are closer to him than you, but you do not see.."

We will all go through a similar experience. In the final moments of our life in this world, when the Angel of Death comes to greet us to take our souls. Perhaps we will be surrounded by the ones we love - those who would care for us, comfort us, yet they can't do anything to ease the experience: All they can do is look at us. 

For the righteous among us, Allah will send beautiful angels, will pleasant appearance and fragrances, comforting our souls to meet a Lord who is Pleased. 

As scary as it will be, it will be a journey of hope and optimism, accompanied by beautiful friends with beautiful words, with a firm promise, that the best is yet to come. 

These angels will be telling us "don't fear, don't be sad - receive the happy news of Paradise, that has been Promised. We were your friends in this world - though you do not see - and so would we be in the Hereafter, and there in Paradise you will have all you desire, as an entertainment from the All-Forgiving, All-Merciful (Surah Fussilat 41:30-32). 

But for the sinners and disbelievers, it will be a terrifying experience, made even more terrifying by the thought that the worse is yet to come.

May Allah grant us all a good ending (husnul khatimah)