Growing old

Today my mom called me to tell me that my dad had a couple of mini-strokes over the past two days. He's in the hospital right now where doctors are running the standard gamut of tests. And while a mini-stroke, or TIA (transient ischemic attack) in itself is not permanently damaging if caught and treated, it does mean that my dad is at higher risk for suffering more mini-strokes in the near future, as well as eventually having a major stroke. My dad has never been a healthy and vibrant person; he was a very malnourished baby in WWII poverty stricken Japan. And now that he's in his 60's he is now susceptible to all those old person diseases. He already has high blood pressure, high cholesterol, type 1 diabetes, and for the life of him has never been able to weigh more than 135 pounds. Ever since I can remember I always thought that he had some signs of Alzheimers, although that could just be a product of inbreeding (his parents were first cousins). He has admitted on several occasions that his parents' close blood relation is the reason why he's a bit "screwy." So who knows. Still, it's always humbling to be reminded again that we all are merely mortals and that our time on earth is limited. And trying to explain to Yoshimi what's going on is difficult when I look at the sweet, innocent (well, usually) little face of hers with those inquisitive eyes.

Yoshimi: What's wrong with Jichan?

Me: Jichan is sick. He's at the doctors and they're doing their best to make him feel better.

Yoshimi: Jichan's sick? (she tilts her head to one side in a questioning manner.)

Me: Yeah.

Yoshimi: Oh. Jichan will feel better??

Me: I hope so.

Yoshimi: Oh. We go see Jichan tomorrow?

Me: You're going to see Bachan, but Jichan will still be with the doctors so you'll see him again soon. Another time.

Yoshimi: Okay.