This picture was taken in 2015, when I visited my grandfather. I told him to smile with his teeth and so he did! We were so happy at that moment!!
Dear all,
The first thing I want to ask you is to read this post attentively. This post is about my grandfather (the father of my father) who is really sick and in a lot of pain. The hardest part for me is that I can't be there for him right now. So, I'm trying to do all I can to help and support him in any way. I will do my best to try and explain to you the situation.
Unfortunately we cannot always have happy times and right now, I'm not in a happy moment. I have an amazing, strong grandfather who is 97 years old. He lives in the province Takéo in Cambodia. As I am born and raised in the Netherlands, I have only met my grandfather four times in my life. The last time was in 2015 when I visited him for only four days. Even though I haven't seen him often in my life, I feel a deep connection with my grandfather. His wife, my grandmother, died in 2005.. so he has been alone since. My dearest family who live in Cambodia are taking care of him. I know it hasn't been easy for them, but I really thank them from the bottom of my heart for taking such good care of both of my grandparents.
Since I was little, I was conscious about the fact that I didn't have grandparents living nearby my home. When classmates told me they were going to spend their weekends or holidays with their grandparents, I envied them. I wish I could have spend more time with my grandparents.. Now that my grandfather is the only grandparent left, this is the least thing I can do for him.
Superman
That's what he is: SUPERMAN! The first time I met my grandfather was in 1995. I was 5 years old. It I can still remember how he took care of me during my stay. My grandfather lives in the country side. Together with other family members he build his home. He also has his own land with the family where he used to have a small lake. I can remember people telling me that he build the lake on his own with his twin brother and my uncles. I also saw him carrying a tree trunk on his shoulder to build a small stage where we could stand on it in the lake. Even though I can't communicate in Khmer (Cambodian language) very well, I could always understand what he was telling me. He isn't a man of many words, just like my dad. My dad is a copy of my grandfather. They both are very quiet, even when family are discussing about something.. they show their love by taking action and speaking less words. That's what I really love about them.Now that my grandfather is old, it's difficult to communicate with him. In 2015 I visited him for only four days as I had to go to Thailand. I told him I love him and I've missed him so much (which is rare in our culture to tell your feelings) and he didn't know how to respond to it. He only laughed just like the picture above.
I haven't seen him for two years now. Luckily, technology gives us the opportunity to see each other through video chat on Facebook. On New Year's day, I called him to wish him a happy new year and he gave us his blessings. Here is a screenshot of my grandfather, my cousin (who also lives in the Netherlands), my sister and I. He was happy to see us as he laughed after this screenshot. As you can probably see, the shape of his left ear isn't how it's supposed to be.
He has a disease and it's still unknown what is going on with him. What I think is that his ear is suffering from carnivorous bacteria (I really don't know if these are the right words in English). Yesterday, he went to the hospital in Takeo Province. Doctors told my family that he has cancer and due to his age, there is nothing they can do about it except giving painkillers. I can understand that it can be critical for him to undergo an operation, but still.. it's ridiculous that they say they can't do anything else about it. Now his ear got even worse. I don't want to share a picture of it as it is very hurtful and gross to see, but I'm doing it anyway so you can see that this is serious. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
I've done some research on the internet and the symptoms of carnivorous bacteria is the same as grandfather has. Due to his pain, his organs can stop functioning. This is what I'm afraid of.. That it will only get worse (it's already worse)
He definitely needs better medical care. I don't trust the hospital in his province or even in Cambodia itself (it's always about money (corrupt country) and their knowledge is not at the same level as doctors in the Netherlands). But to be honest, I don't care about the money. All I want is for my grandfather to live well and healthy, with no pain.
Our family's plan now is to gather money and to make sure that my grandfather can get the medical care he deserves. I don't even know exactly what amount is needed. Even if we have to take him to the hospital in Thailand or Vietnam (I don't know how far they can help but from what I've heard is that in Thailand & Vietnam the care is much better than Cambodia).
I'm really not a person who asks something from others, especially when it comes to money. I don't want to be desperate, but at this moment I do feel desperate and powerless. He really needs help ASAP. Since we are in the Steemit Community and Steemit offers many opportunities for all of us, I'm like: Okay.. let's give it a shot and see how far we can come to help my lovely grandfather!!
It is up to you whether you want to upvote & reshare this post or not in order to support my grandfather and family. If you do upvote and reshare, I will pray for you, give you blessings and send good karma :-)! I am eternally grateful!!!
If you have any tips for me concerning the fundraise and/or my grandfather, please leave a comment!! Any help is welcome now! And if you like to know more, ask me by leaving a comment!
The last picture I took with him when I had to leave Cambodia. My words:"Grandfather, will you please wait for me until I come back to visit for you?" He answered:"Yes, I will wait for you."
🙏🏽 My only grandfather left. I love you beyond the moon and back and wish you to get better real soon! 🙏🏽
p.s. I have so much to share about my feelings concerning my grandfather, but it's not about that now. It's about him. I hope I can be there for him, take him to the hospital and take care of him. I will definitely keep you up to date about his health!
Much love for you all!!!
Kimberley