For as long as I can remember, my father is hard of hearing. We had to speak loudly to him. He was otherwise a healthy man and often demonstrated tremendous physical strength in his ability to lift things. In the past few years however, his health has deteriorated badly. Before I left Malaysia, he has had one minor heart attack and one sudden and severe loss of mobility.
In the 2-3 months before we left Malaysia, over several dinners with the family after which they adjourned to my house for drinks, I spoke to him, along with my mother and brother, about our decision to leave Malaysia. He remained silent when I told him, and I wasn’t sure about what he was thinking. Now however, I don’t know if it even registered in his mind that we were leaving permanently. Maybe he thought we were only going away for a holiday.
In the past 2-3 weeks, I have been exchanging emails with my brother. My father is now very ill. He is no longer independent and requires care as he can no longer care for himself. I never expected this. He is only 68 this year. It should be at least 10 years more before he reaches his present state of health.
Suddenly I want to be with him again, to talk to him, and to listen to him.
“So, I commend the enjoyment of life.” (From the Bible – really. Eccl 8:15)
Ante 