The vivid memories of my early childhood are those of my father helping us out in the kitchen. Sometimes, he would pile up steaming idlis on our plates or apply jam and butter on slices of fresh bread so that we could have our breakfast at 7.30 a.m. and take our packed lunch to school. My mother, a teacher, also made sure that I and my brother got the best meals.
My dad's next routine was to take each one of us on his bicycle to the bus depot and see that we were safe and sound on our way to school and then drop my mother too at the bus depot. He would then travel for two hours to reach his workplace. I have always remembered my father as a pillar of strength and even when my mother was terminally ill with cancer, he was by her side. When we were assailed by fears or doubts, he was there to hold our hands.
All these were 10 years ago until he was struck by Parkinson's disease. The drugs he took caused hallucinations. It was pathetic to see him afraid of unreal images, and it became a daily chore for me to reassure him that they would do him no harm. He suffered frequent bouts of depression and even suspicion turned against the members of the household. My husband also took care of him.
The strong hands, which had once cuddled me and held me affectionately when I was a child, became weak and frail after years of toil. The hands that cleaned all the mess that we made when we were young found it difficult even to lift a glass of water. My dad, who always made sure that we were safe on our way to school, frequently lost his way from the living room to the kitchen. Sometimes, I was apprehensive what would happen if he outlived me. (My father has since died.)
(The writer is Assistant Professor, Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, Tamil Nadu. The writer's email ID is rosalinebosco@yahoo.com)
Keywords: Parkinson's disease, depression
First of all I want to thank the writer Dr. R. Bosco for sharing the
experience of her life. After reading this article, I was not able to
stop my tears since my beloved father is also suffering from Parkinson disease from last 13 years. Whatever you have described, I can simply
say that, I fit 100% right there in place of you. I was in class Xth
when Parkinson was detected to my father and now I am near to complete
my Ph.D. I feel fortunate enough that he is still alive and thanks to
almighty ALLAH. Although, it's very painful to see him in such
condition.
My uncle too suffers from Parkinsons disease.None diagnosed the condition and advised him drugs.His children thought the tremors of his hands are vouluntary.How pathetic.He used to give lot advice nd moral values.Now he is mute and answering commands rarely.What to do?Awareness should be created in the public so that this people will be taken care of at the earliest.
I could feel your sentiments with empathy in my heart.I attended your father's funeral at your residence and could understand the love and affection you had for your father. No one could replace your father mam,,,, FATHER IS ALWAYS FATHER.. I pray that may his soul rest in peace,Mam
The narration is quite moving----really a tribute to the memories of a
daughter to her father.
Parents are really too good in taking care of us. Its difficult to see them with some disease and the sweet memories will sail us well and good.Take everything in right sense..
He is in a safe and happy place now.. And he had you to care for him and love him when he needed it. You could not have done a better job of caring for him. God be with you
Touching indeed when people have started going the western way and do not care about elders who selflessly and relentlessly served our cause. This feeling of 'What if he outlives me' is something I have experienced and reminds of the lack of social security in our country. Twenty years back I came to know that cooking food with Aluminium vessels could well be one of the causes of Parkinsons and in our family we have scrupulously avoided this metal since then. We have advocated our policy to our relatives and friends of switching over to Iron tawas/ kadais, stainless steel and copper vessels. We have also avoided non stick cook ware as teflon coating could cause cancer and other diseases in the long run. I wish to share this information for the benefit of the author and the readers.
Cheers ma'am. touching. reading thro' I can actually feel the emotions.
God bless
I was very moved about the memories of your father, my father has passed
away many years back but not a day goes by that i dont think of him. Any
food item that i make such as Karela subji was his favorite so i keep
thinking about him he died cause of kidney stone operation which should
not have taken place as he was diabetic but my sympathy is with you,
thank you for sharing your story!
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