The speaker felt most vulnerable when a piece of their tooth fell out while flossing, which they interpreted as a sign of aging and triggered an emotional response.
The speaker takes a highly operational approach, focusing on executing medical decisions and logistics rather than experiencing emotional distress. They emphasize the importance of letting their mother make the final decisions while they handle the practical aspects.
The speaker does not feel a sense of guilt or obligation to care for their parents beyond what they consider reasonable. They believe that aging and illness are natural processes and do not see themselves as responsible for their parents' health outcomes.
The speaker is willing to spend money on their parents' medical needs, but only after their parents have exhausted their own resources. They have purchased medical insurance for their parents to ensure financial security, but they do not feel obligated to use their own savings for their parents' care.
The speaker finds the emotional demands of caring for a sick parent challenging, especially when it comes to providing emotional support. They believe that it is difficult to offer emotional comfort when they themselves are exhausted and emotionally drained.
The speaker has open discussions with their parents about end-of-life decisions, including whether to undergo certain medical procedures or when to withdraw life support. They believe it is important for their parents to make these decisions while they are still capable of doing so.
The speaker rejects societal expectations that dictate how one should behave in such situations, such as the idea that one must be visibly emotional or distressed. They believe that people should be allowed to process and express their emotions in their own way, without conforming to external standards.
The speaker's relationship with their father has evolved over time, with their father gradually becoming more dependent on them. The speaker acknowledges their father's sacrifices, such as giving up his social life to help with childcare, but also recognizes the challenges of this role reversal.
The speaker views their life as a 'heroic narrative,' where they derive satisfaction from overcoming challenges and achieving goals. They see their life as a series of accomplishments, and they find fulfillment in the idea of completing their 'heroic journey' by the end of their life.
The speaker does not wish to be reincarnated or live another life, as they feel they have already 'completed' their life's journey. They prefer the idea of ceasing to exist entirely rather than experiencing another life.