_{Artwork 'Dear Dad', Artwork by Author}

For better Image Quality view it here:

My Father's Stroke

I’ve wanted to share this for a while, but it’s been hard to gather the courage. My father suffered a stroke on February 17th. Since then, our lives have changed in ways I never imagined.

Medical Reports and Diagnosis

ECG Report:

• Sinus mode tachycardia (fast heart rate)
• Left axis deviation (abnormal heart electrical axis)
• ST depression, mild apical ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart's apex)

Echocardiography Report:

• Normal heart function
• Mild tricuspid valve leak (not significant)

X-ray Report:

• Suggests an infective cause

Abdominal Ultrasound:

• Liver enlargement (hepatomegaly)

Carotid Doppler:

• Normal blood flow in carotid arteries
• No blockages or narrowing

Blood Test:

• Elevated Creatine Kinase (CK) level (107 U/L, normal <256 U/L) indicating muscle stress or damage
• Mild potassium deficiency

MRI Report:

• Small abnormal area in the left thalamus indicating an acute infarct (stroke)
• No bleeding or mass effects
• Right-sided weakness

_{Carrot pudding, Image by Author}

A Daughter's Comfort: Carrot Pudding

My sister made carrot pudding (Gajar ka Halwa) for our father. On top, she wrote an Urdu poetry:

"Dad, if I make a mistake, please scold me but never leave me."

Her gesture was a way of showing love and reminding him how much he means to us just as every father means the world to his daughter.

_{Massaging Dad's Feet, Image by Author}

Massaging My Father's Feet

Because of his weakness, I often massaged his feet in the hospital. This may just look like a simple picture, but for a child massaging their father without knowing what tomorrow holds it’s an experience that’s hard to describe.

I wanted to capture that moment forever.

Creating 'Dear Dad': An Emotional Artwork

Let's revisit the artwork once again:

_{Artwork 'Dear Dad', Artwork by Author}

For better Image Quality view it here:

I created this piece during the two weeks my father was hospitalized. Time was scarce visitors came and went constantly, and whenever I returned home, there was always something to do.

In this artwork, I represented the effects of the stroke on the brain and heart through an artistic lens. The black lines moving outward symbolize healing, as if negative energy is leaving while purity and positivity remain.

Why These Colors?

Each color has a purpose:

Blue Transformation
Green Growth
Yellow Energy
Grey Mystery

My father loved the artwork I’d love to know what you think, too.

Behind the Scenes: The Artwork Process

For those who enjoy seeing the creative process, I made this GIF to show the artwork’s progression:

_{'Dear Dad' Artwork's Process, GIF by Author}

For better Gif Quality view it here:

Current Condition: What Lies Ahead

Since his discharge, my father has undergone regular tests and diagnoses. He continues to receive physiotherapy and can now walk with a stick for support.

Doctors have warned us that the next two months are critical, with an increased risk of a second stroke or heart failure. We remain cautious and hopeful.

I appreciate you reading this story and being a part of this personal chapter of my life.