Wings of Resilience: A Daughter's Healing Odyssey

Brighton, England represents a semblance of liberation for the spirit within this region. The Brighton Royal Pavilion, commissioned by King George IV, showcases a blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles and artifacts. The king sought solace in this place as a form of retreat, where he could freely express his true self. ©Jade Kayo Miki

For two decades, my mother and I shared a strong bond during tumultuous times. She tirelessly worked to earn a living and went to great lengths to seek medical help for her daughter, traveling from the north to the south of Taiwan and eventually sending me to Japan.

Perhaps it was her narrative that resonated with someone, or maybe it was her boldness in exploring a foreign country, but she eventually located the desired doctor and was determined to gradually restore her child's eyesight.

The healing process was extensive and expensive. However, in my recollection, my mother framed the doctor" as a would meticulously plan visits to significant cultural landmarks, carefully arrange the itinerary, use the hospital as a stopover for Tokyo Disney, and allow me to explore various hospital areas dressed in a small outfit adorned with a Mickey Mouse emblem.

After the medical consultation, she would often treat me to a bigl meal. She believed that if she couldn't provide a healthy body for her daughter , she could at least ensure good nutrition. I had a peculiar fondness for Caucasian doctors and chefs who possessed adept knife skills and occasionally carried the scent of alcohol on their hands.

My mother, who had been managing on a tight budget for years, accompanied me on challenging medical trips. There were instances when I felt overwhelmed; we resided in a residence infested with cockroaches, a fact she didn't conceal from me as I was visually impaired. We shared a single bowl of ramen, with her customarily adding my preferred corn to it. However, during one memorable lunch, I misplaced a tooth, and our focus shifted to searching for it, disrupting our meal.

When I was a child, I eagerly anticipated reaching Osaka's Namba station with my mother, who shared my enthusiasm for exploring Takashimaya's discount food offerings after 7 pm. During the journey, I would often tug on my mother's coat and inquire, "Okaasan, where will we be heading next?

As I matured, I came to understand that a mother's ultimate priority is the happiness and smiles of her children.

Numerous poignant memories, tinged with both sweetness and tension, were etched into my consciousness during the period when my perception gradually sharpened, soothing the emotional wounds within us. I cannot recall experiencing a sudden, unexpected healing or a moment of pure delight. Throughout, I maintained faith in my mother, who was confident that her daughter would eventually find clarity, a belief that the universe ultimately validated.