The two-volume book series "Let Me Care for My Parents" tells the story of Miew, a Malaysian comic artist. She chronicles her 12-year journey as the final caregiver for her parents – a difficult, painful, yet deeply moving experience filled with love and compassion. The series also serves as Miew's final farewell to her parents.
In the first volume, "I Am A Caregiver 1," the author recounts the period of becoming the end-of-life caregiver for her father, who had just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
The book series contains meaningful stories by author Miew. Photo: nhandan.
After falling ill, her father's health deteriorated rapidly. From a healthy, gentle man, he quickly transformed into a weak, irritable, and unpleasant patient. Unprepared for this, and overwhelmed by her father's sudden deathbed changes, Miew found herself trapped in a state of both sadness and fear.
It was a difficult and painful journey. Yet, it was during this period that love demonstrated its unexpected strength. Although her father's delirium left deep wounds in Miew's heart, she persevered and stayed by his side throughout his final days.
If the journey of caring for her father left Miew with dark and tragic memories, then the final days spent with her mother brought her salvation and solace. Episode 2 of "I Am A Caregiver 2" can be said to be Miew's journey of healing and recovery.
After her father's death, Miew's mother began to age and become frail, requiring frequent hospital visits. At this point, Miew knew her mother's time was running out. Having learned from her father's death, Miew and her sister knew how to spend their mother's final days in a more meaningful and peaceful way. The pages of the book thus become gentler, warmer, and filled with love.
The caregiver's journey was destined to be filled with grief and separation. However, Miew's approach to grief has changed. She not only knows how to care for her mother better but also how to care for herself.
For a long-term caregiver, when their mind is overwhelmed with grief and exhaustion, they will no longer want to do anything for themselves, even the simplest human needs like eating, sleeping, and recreation.
But after 12 years in the role of a caregiver, Miew realized that caregivers must first know how to take good care of themselves, think about how to maintain their own well-being, and keep a positive attitude. Because only when you take good care of yourself can you and your loved ones happily navigate the long and arduous journey of caregiving.
Besides her personal story, in the books "Let the Child Take Care of the Father" and "Let the Child Take Care of the Mother," Miew also addresses the current situation in many Asian countries, where the responsibility of caring for the family often falls solely on women.
Miew stated that caring for parents is a shared responsibility of all children, not just women. Therefore, Miew advises that while parents are still healthy, family members should hold meetings to discuss issues such as: sharing care responsibilities, how to cope with illness, and how to prepare for the passing of their parents.
With simple yet vivid and emotional drawings, Miew not only brings memories of her parents to life on the pages of her book but also helps readers realize a lesson: Cherish and appreciate the time spent with your loved ones.
PV
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ra-mat-bo-sach-de-con-cham-soc-cha-me-post303560.html
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