Raising children is an adventure filled with unpredictable events, joys, and sometimes challenges. My wife and I have been blessed with twin boys, merely 10 months old. Every day with them has been special, but a recent series of unfortunate events added an unexpected twist to our journey.
It began when, quite suddenly, both my wife and I fell ill. While she was struck down with a cold, I was bedridden with severe back pain. Watching my wife muster the strength to feed our twins their weaning foods, while I could do nothing but rest, was mentally agonizing. The weight of responsibility felt even heavier, knowing it was the time for our boys to get their influenza vaccinations.
In our less than perfect state, we took the whole family to a nearby hospital in our neighborhood. The twins were set for their shots, my wife needed medication for her cold, and I was in line for some much-needed physiotherapy. The hospital was abuzz with our situation: a family of four, each requiring a different form of care.
However, amidst this chaos, the warmth and kindness we experienced were nothing short of heartwarming. Both the medical staff and fellow patients in the hospital were incredibly kind to our twin boys. It’s often said that Koreans have a soft spot for children, and on this day, we felt that sentiment in its entirety.
This challenging day turned out to be a reaffirmation of our family bonds and a testament to the supportive community around us. As we continue on our parenting adventure, we’ll cherish the kindness we received that day and the countless memories we’re building as a family.
Atsushi's Life in Korea 