I Found the Right Gift

Walking along the Lockport Canal on my way home when I was off duty before the Thanksgiving Day, I spotted two women coming toward me. I decided they must be mother and daughter. The daughter reached into her pocket and handed her mom a snack. They both laughed.

I began to think about my mom. My mom had dementia (老年痴呆) in the early stage. How could I leave her to fend for herself? I was a wife and mother who worked full-time. The answer was simple: I couldn’t. I knew I had to act to keep her safe like she protected me when she took my tiny hand and walked me to kindergarten.

I came up with the idea of a college student. Living close to a college, I contacted someone in Student Services. I asked for a responsible student to live with my mom free of charge. Luckily the college representative found one for me and got us in contact.

We met at a local doughnut store. Walking in, I saw her before she saw me. On the table sat the college’s admissions manual. Could she be as nervous as I am? With every step I took forward, I felt another pushing me back.

“Hi, I’m Joanna,” said, extending my hand.

“Gifty,” she said and smiled.

We both felt a little awkward, but I asked, “Tell me a little bit about yourself.”

“I’m originally from Ghana. I’m hoping to go to college to be a nurse, but I can’t afford the dorm,” she said with a tear in her eye.

I took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “My mom has dementia. I need someone to be my eyes and ears. That person would get a free room and use of the Internet living with my mom.”

More tears from Gifty. Then she spoke. “I know you don’t know me, but I’m very responsible. I would never do any harm to your mom, and I want so badly to be a nurse.” I believed her. My instinct said yes. We talked a lot and I finally gave her my mom’s address.

It was one of those days when nothing seemed to go right. I dragged myself out of the bed and all of the routines began early. I dropped my two older children at school with relief and unwillingly headed to the supermarket to buy groceries with my youngest. I wasn't feeling any sense of appreciation for my comfortable home or lovely family.

I was getting mad with this early day, and my son, just four years old at that time, was being difficult. I raced around to pick the items with no regard to cost, while trying to control my naughty child whose behavior had now added to my complete displeasure. Yes, I was that mother, threatening, and roaring at a small child.

We eventually made it to the checkout and stood in the queue waiting for our turn. After a short time, I noticed that someone had joined the line behind us. I turned and saw an old man. He wore a dirty overcoat. His shoes were worn out, and his trousers tapped around sockless ankles on this cold, wet day. In his hands he just carried a small box of long-life milk.

I had too many groceries. I asked him if he'd like to go ahead of me. It wasn't an act of kindness on my part, also not my automatic reaction. Perhaps I just did out of a sense of guilt, or I just wanted him gone. After all, his presence made me uncomfortable. In the same way, I felt uncomfortable and avoided my eyes when passing a homeless person.

He didn't respond to me as if I had said nothing to him. I looked at him and repeated my words. This time, I was sure that he had heard what I said.

Eden, gold medalist of Harvard University, often had discussions on new advancements in surgery and in medical sciences with his beautiful colleague Emma, the second topper in heart surgery. Eden fell in love with Emma and asked her to marry him. After careful consideration, Emma agreed. One year after their marriage, a lovely baby was born. Eden was so much excited to have her in the arms wrapped in towel. The couple named her Katty. Katty brought lots of smile and happiness to their home.

It was Katty’s 5^th Birthday. While playing outside with her friends, Katty fainted (晕倒). Eden and Emma rushed her to emergency. They came to know that it was not a normal case. Something serious. Katty was diagnosed (诊断) with cancer. Emma and Eden were heart-broken. They knew it was not curable. Medicines could only give 3 years. They started praying that maybe some miracles would take place and that some hew medicine should come by then.

They both started spending more and more quality time with Katty, both busy in completing every wish of Katty. Katty had just one complaint from both of them that they didn’t scold her whatever she did. At every birthday the couple cried and prayed. They didn’t know whether they would be able to celebrate her next birthday or not.

Angel, was a girl of Katty’s age. She was Emma’s patient. Emma started seeing Katty in Angel. Angel’s heart was damaged. Emma introduced Angel to Eden. Eden and Emma together wanted to save Katty and Angel. The couple gave up their sleep to read research papers, contact top universities and learn about advancements in medical sciences.

Katty was getting worse. Now she couldn’t go out. Her bed was her world. Angel’s condition was also similar, as her heart was growing bigger, she started having complication (并发症).