My grandfather had a stroke few months ago. The doctor said that he had a small bleed in his brain but he would survive. It was a shocking news to everyone at home. He was well and looked fine until he collapsed one day in his bedroom.
Mum rung me at half-past three in the morning to deliver the bad news. The next few days became hectic as I was trying to organize somebody to cover me as well as busy calling flight centers to book air tickets.
My mood was in terrible state. I would snap at my co-workers easily and lost my temper because of small matters. I was basically a bitch at that time. However my staff was very understanding and they just knew the way to avoid my bad temperament.
When I finally returned home grandfather had become stable enough to be transferred to the stroke rehabilitation unit. It was a lovely, friendly and supportive environment. The staff working there was truly awesome.
Grandfather was looking good although he still had weakness in his left arm and leg. His speech was slurred too and at time he was having difficulties searching for the right words. It was frustrating to him but I knew he would never give up. He is a man of steel. He always has been.
I accompanied him to his physiotherapy sessions daily. I wished I could be there when he had the stroke but I knew there was nothing I could do to help. He was making good improvement everyday and he was never disheartened about trivial failure.
He was working very hard and at time I wanted to ask him to slow down. Let nature do the healing, grandfather! But he would never listen.
After spending 3 weeks at home it was time to return to work again. It was good to have my family around again and I wished I could stay longer. Yet there were important things that needed to be done.
Life is without guarantees. I admired the inner strength that my grandfather has to cope with the disability and loss. What hadhappened to him made me realized that it is important to take life one day at a time and explore it to the fullest.