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| Abi Bogdpa and Memay Rinchen |
It was 7 AM in the morning. As usual Mamay Rinchen was already waiting in the queue for a steaming breakfast. He carries double plates, one for himself and another for Abi Bogdpa.
After a few minutes he returns with a big smile on his face signaling a sumptuous treat. As they sat down for breakfast, they seemed to exchange a few talks, as it was clear from their little aging laughs. They're made for each other and that is obvious from their evergreen relationship.
Abi Bogdpa is 71-year-old from Mongar Dzongkhag. They settled in Tsirang (Sergithang) through a resettlement program in early 2000. Interestingly both of them are fluent in commonly spoken language -Lhotshampa kha (Nepali), which makes their communication easy and fast.
She is a chronic Asthma patient. She is currently undergoing treatment at Damphu District Hospital.
For the past 3 years and 6 months, Abi Bogdpa has been patiently waiting for her discharge order. However, every passing day, her condition is only getting worse. The main cause of the disease is unknown; nevertheless, she declared that she used to smoke in her youthful days. I shared that smoking does not alone cause Asthma. It's a complicated disease. Even the experts can't guarantee the root cause of Asthma. There's currently no cure for the disease, but treatment can help control the symptoms so one can live a normal life. But for now she is fully dependent on a ventilator and inhaler.
As she recalls her youthful days in tears, thousands of patients have come and gone by, but Abi Bogdpa has never walked beyond the toilet wall.
Until I came across Abi Bogdpa, I'd never realized that Asthma is so deadly and horrible, making someone so sick. For all these many years, she'd been enduring an unthinkable life journey with this silent disease. I've learned so much from this old couple about life and more so about this disease. More importantly, I've learned to live life happily.
I got some early advice about aging life and one must learn to endure what was once a beautiful and harming being shall ultimately ruin to ash. Thus, I shall be prepared to face old-age with good grace.
After lunch, Abi Bogdpa goes for some rest with a nasal tube in her nose, Memay Rinchen quickly hold back his rosary beads and returns to solitude –prayers, hope and for some fresh air.
With a little time left, she still feels happy and shares some wisdom. But, every passing day, Memay feels anxious about her deteriorating health condition. However, the past one-week was harder for her even with a breathing machine. Despite her condition, he only hopes she gets better and leaves for home someday happily.
Perhaps, more sad was they don't have someone to call their own children. So they are the Royal Kidu Recipient. Indeed, the Royal Kidu is really helping them to be on their own feet and lead a simple independent life. They're thankful to His Majesty The King for all the support and kindness.
There couldn't be a more beautiful moment than sharing a few happy moments. Simple meals. Some personal journey. It was memorable and touching! They seem happy with whatever little meals and time my wife and I've shared with them. Although our stay was very brief, it was worth recalling. As we left the hospital door the following day, we left wishing, hoping and praying that someday, Abi Bogdpa, much like any one of us, can lead a happy and independent life. What shall the time take, together they must brave their unseen luck together -strong and united.
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