Body sick, mind not sick
The other day I had a chance to talk with a senior colleague from my previous workplace about her father, who is ill with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). This disease is caused by abnormalities of the motor neurons that control muscles in the brain and spinal cord; these motor neurons gradually deteriorate and die. The cause is still unclear, but it is believed it may be due to genetics or exposure to contaminated toxins such as pesticides, heavy metals, radiation, or infection with certain viruses.
The point I want to share today is that her father has been living with this disease for more than 7 years now, which is longer than the average for most patients. The first thing I replied after hearing this was: that means the caregiver must be taking incredibly good care of him.
She also told me that because her father has swallowing problems, the family discussed it and decided not to insert a feeding tube through the abdomen, but instead chose to blend all food until very smooth and then feed him. If her father wants braised duck, they blend braised duck for him to eat. Each meal takes about 3 hours (I didn’t type the number wrong). They start feeding breakfast around 9 a.m. and finish around noon, then continue with lunch and finish around 3 p.m., then continue with dinner right after. Hearing this, I truly respect the caregiver and everyone in the family—you are the best of the best.
Another person I can’t not mention is the father himself, who is mentally strong, positive, and always looks on the bright side. Every time I see his photos on social media, I see a smile and a bright, cheerful face. She told me she has never once seen him cry from sadness or feel resentful about the fate of having this illness. The only tears she sees are tears of joy—for example, when cheering for Thailand’s women’s volleyball team and they win, or cheering for a little singer in a singing contest who wins an award. The saying “the mind is the master, the body is the servant” really is true.
Hearing this, anyone who is feeling discouraged about life should try looking for the good things and small happiness around you. Think about how fortunate you are that you still have freedom in life—you can leave the house, walk, move your arms and legs, speak, swallow food, and tell someone you love them. Look for what you have more than what you lack, and life will become much happier.
Lastly, I’d like to tell you thank you for using Piti. Wishing your dad healthy skin, a good mood, and good health like this for a long time.
Sending encouragement to all devoted children.
Piti #lotionForDryItchySkin #elderlySkin
Cr: Muscular weakness disease by Dr. Jarungthai Dechthewaporn, Sirikit Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital
