As you may have noticed, I have been missing in action since 8th Sept this year from the list.
The reason is because, on the morning of the 8th Sept at 6am, I got a call from my sister informing me that my dad had fainted at home and was transported to the hospital. Hours later, we learned that he had a brain hemorrhage and had to have an operation to relief the pressure in his brain.
As he was in critical condition, I left San Francisco immediately to fly back to Singapore with Mickey, my husband and Alicia, our 2 yo daughter.
His condition initially imporved then deteriorated and for the past one and a half months, and he has never regained consciousness. Mickey and Alicia had to return home while I stayed back to take care of my dad and mom and help my mom settle down.
I was due to head back to SF a couple of weeks back but his condition again took a turn for the worse.
I left San Francisco feeling really fortunate that I was able to do soin such a short notice… because if this had happened to any same sex binational couples, many of them would be forced to make a really hard decision. We have friends who have been in this situation, but were
not able to be with their family because they would not be allowed to return to the US. I am also thankful that, during this economic recession we're experiencing, Mickey and I have some resources to help us through this difficult time and allow me to take an extended leave.
I have not been online much; since I have been running from home to hospital and back to home just to rest (and my parents do not have internet connection…).
I should be back in San Francisco soon but as the condition of my dad deteriorates, I might have to reschedule again or if I am already back in town, we might have to make another emergency trip back to Singapore.
However, I just want to say a BIG thank you for Kathy for stepping up in helping manage the group, as well as Erik, Chris, Gina and I am sure I am going to miss someone… but thank you all for stepping up while I am gone and continuing the work to get more support to stop the discrimination faced by same sex binational couples through the passage of UAFA.
We really need UAFA to pass and be history… while I was fortunate enough to be able to leave at a moment's notice, not everyone have that ability… and the fact that we cannot sponsor our foreign partner for a green cards just adds additional hardship to our relationship
and our daily lives. This must change!
Election is coming next Tuesday and to all of you who can vote, please vote!!!! I know we are all disappointed at the progress this country has made in the last two years but please do not sit out this election…. we need to make sure those who supports our issue and supports LGBT equality continues their work!
Yours sincerely,
Amos Lim
