In reality, it is not uncommon that conflicts may occur at anytime, in any place and in between anyone. People may have different stands and opinions, resulting in the occurrence of disagreement and even argument. I was deeply affected as there was a real case happening to my father recently.
My grandmother has been bed-ridden for about 4 years. She was used to be a strong and tough person. For these two years, she had been checking in and out of the hospital in the coma situation, mainly due to low blood glucose level. However, every time she would be fine after staying in the hospital for a few days. Although she is bed-ridden, she still has a good memory and is normal psychologically.
Several months ago, she was again admitted to the hospital. The doctor decided to insert a feeding tube into her nose as she was too weak to chew the food properly by herself. Since that day, my grandmother could only be fed with liquid food or milk. Besides that, her voice became softer and weaker. Every time she talks, we could barely hear or understand her words and it often makes us feel sad.
Recently, my grandmother was sent to the hospital again. Her condition seems worse compared to last time. She does not open her eyes even when we call her and her face looks pale. Everyone has gotten tired of the false alarm. However, this time, it seems like she is going to cross over soon. My father is caught in the dilemma as my aunts are asking to take off the feeding tube and bring my grandmother home. This is because according to the Chinese tradition, it is inauspicious to let the dying person to cross over in the hospital. However, my father holds a different opinion. He thinks that my grandmother would get better if she stays for a few more days in the hospital under the care of the nurses. The doctor did not say anything. He only said we could bring her back if we want. Henceforth, my father is feeling pressurized. He is the second son of my grandmother, but as he is the one with the highest educational level, my aunts and uncles would always ask for his opinion.
In the viewpoint of my aunts, they wanted to bring my grandmother home as they think that she is going to cross over soon judging from her condition. Moreover, they feel sad to see her going through all the pain. On the other hand, my father feels that every life is precious, even if it may seem that the life of laying on the bed everyday is meaningless and miserable. Henceforth, my father is unwilling to let her go.
Sometimes, I would wonder what was my grandmother’s thought and feeling about this. What would you do if you were my father in this situation? Would you have let my aunts in and allow them to bring my grandmother home? Could we give up a life since it is meaningless to continue the journey?
