The Symptoms #2
As Dr.HB expected, it was not dementia. However, he was diagnosed with cerebral infarction. He was immediately hospitalized, and mom could come back home after midnight.
Mom had to wake up 3 a.m. to go to work, barely slept. I worried about her because she has to drive a bus as a job. So I called and checked her condition several times in the day.
Being angry, mom called me after work and told me the insurances which dad has signed up for don’t cover cerebral infarction. She criticized that insurance is not useful when it’s really needed.
A few days later, dad was discharged from the hospital after having a procedure. Mom told me that he came back home after yelling at the doctor who recommended him to be hospitalized for longer.
In fact, mom worried about Podong the most. If something happens while she is working, accordingly If Podong gets hurt… she seriously considered leaving Podong to me for a while. I had to go to parents’ house at the end of the year, so we decided to think about it together after I check dad.
Soon, the end of the year came, so I went to my parents’ house. I checked dad’s condition first. He became prominently thin and had an unkempt beard. I asked him how he was doing, as if nothing had happened. His way of speaking became much duller than before, and his expression of intention seemed to be difficult.
He mostly laid down at his bed and watched TV, sometimes blankly sat on the living room’s sofa without turning on the lights or TV in there. When I asked him what he is doing, he answered that he is just sitting down.
For him who can only use his left hand, mom prepared foods that can be eaten with a spoon. Like bibimbap or a bowl of rice with soup.
While I visited my friend’s house, my brother came to parents’ house. Dad’s face became clean.
When I had a meal with dad, I saw his nails. His nails have lengthened as the time he couldn’t control his body himself has passed. I sat him on the sofa and soaked his fingers in water after having a meal. His dry nails became softer. Very carefully, I clipped other’s nails for the very first time in my life.
A few days after the new year came, I came back to Jeju Island, Alone, without Podong. This is because it seemed difficult for both mom and dad to endure the current situation without Podong.
No matter how much I imagine what could happen in the future, there is no big wave in my mind yet. Nothing can be predicted yet, so I feel peaceful, which I feel sorry for mom and dad.
- My English tutor Surge reviewed and corrected this writing.
