Notes

Last year, my mother was diagnosed with Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), a rare demyelinating disease in which a person’s immune system attacks itself, specifically in the spinal cord and the optic nerves. My mother has been a healthy 55 year old vegetarian who did not drink liquor, smoke, or wish anyone any harm. My mother is my role model.

I saw my dad cry for the first time when the doctor explained the severity of her condition. My father went into depression. My mom always kept the family together. I resented myself for being useless.

My mom’s condition started improving.

It was hard to accept at first, but I knew I had to be strong and support my family. I spent most of my nights researching NMO.

After classes, I went directly to the hospital to see my mom. When relatives visited, I stopped them outside and explained the NG tube in her nose and how it only appeared painful. I scolded relatives who touched her arm, in fear of them disturbing her G-tube (feeding tube). During her plasma exchange, I sat next to her quietly, listening to her murmur hymns.

Although my actions were minor, I grew as a person.