Brian Jeffrey
A young man named Lam Trung Nhan from Kien Giang has been a pillar of support for his seriously ill father, finding inspiring ways to uplift his father’s spirits, resonating deeply with many online.
Two months prior, Lam Van Thot, aged 70 from Vinh Thuan District, began feeling weak and experienced tingling in his limbs. This led to a loss of consciousness, prompting his family to rush him to the hospital.
At the hospital, Lam Trung Nhan (33 years old) discovered that his father had suffered a stroke and required immediate surgery. Post-surgery, Mr. Thot remained in a coma in intensive care.
To everyone’s relief, on the third day, he regained consciousness and started moving his limbs, but struggled to recognize his family and could not communicate due to the pain.
After ten days, he was discharged but faced a challenging recovery ahead with uncertain prospects regarding his speech and mobility.
Before his illness, Mr. Thot was somewhat reserved, but during family dinners, Nhan would tell jokes that brought laughter to their home.
This humor helped Mr. Thot become more cheerful and engaged with his children and grandchildren, as he enjoyed traditional Vietnamese music and singing. However, his illness left him unable to move or speak, which deeply saddened him.
Seeing his father’s despair, Nhan committed to helping him throughout this tough time. The family employed a doctor for physical therapy and acupuncture
Nhan took on an active role by assisting with his father’s physical therapy and engaging him with jokes, songs, and dance to encourage smiles during the sessions, even as Mr. Thot began to regain movement.
After each therapy, Nhan would help his father bathe while keeping up the lighthearted conversations to maintain his father’s spirits.
Nhan shared, “Though my job keeps me busy, I prioritize caring for my father. In the hospital, I noticed him silently crying as he looked at me.
Once home, I made it a point to engage him with laughter and conversation, helping him momentarily escape the pain of his condition. This focus on positivity has greatly contributed to his improvement.
Now, he can lift his limbs and utter short phrases. At night, we share the bed, and he often tucks the blanket over me or pats my back, saying, ‘Good! Good!’ His responses fuel my determination to support his recovery.”
Nhan, who hadn’t previously shared much of his family life on social media, began posting short videos showcasing his unique caregiving approach, aiming to document their uplifting journey.
The response from online viewers has been heartwarming and encouraging, flooding him with positive comments.
Nowadays, Nhan starts each morning by preparing breakfast for his father before going to manage his market stall. Midday, he returns to bathe Mr. Thot and take him for strolls in his wheelchair.
After a day’s work, he reunites with his family for dinner, with his sisters taking turns caring for their father during his absence.
Nhan reflected, “My father worked tirelessly as a fisherman, waking up at dawn to prepare rice and cast nets, enduring the cold to bring home fish for my mother to sell. Family dinners have always been the greatest joy for my parents, bringing everyone together.
I’ve lived with them, but my time at work often kept me away from home. I regret not being present for those cherished meals. I now understand that while material possessions can be replaced, parents cannot. As they age, our moments with them dwindle. I plan to prioritize dinner with my parents each night.”
