The story after the story

Posted by angel on 30 May, 2012

As told to Angeline Koh

Thinking that he did not have many more years to live because of his failing health, ZQ’s father began to withdraw himself from the family. Each time he knew that his children and grandchildren were coming to visit, he would quickly find an excuse to go out to avoid being with them. He didn’t want any meals with them or celebrations of any sort.

In his story created for his Dad, ZQ recollected memories of his childhood and growing up years with his father. The places were simple but there was always a new place to explore, a new adventure to try with him. “Dad, there are still many more places to explore together.”

ZQ set up the computer and left it for his father to watch the digital story in the privacy of his room. When his father came out of the room, ZQ asked him, “how was it?”

“OK,” the stoic father said expressionlessly. But ZQ could see from his red eyes that the story had obviously moved him.

Following this, ZQ’s father began to spend time with the family. He looked forward to their visits and initiated meals with them. ZQ’s mother was the most impacted by the change in her husband when he even began to take an interest in the home and cleaned up the house completely.

“I’ve been married to him for all these years. He has never done anything like this before.”