The nurse pulled back the curtains. I approached the hospital bed that held a mere form of my grandmother. Her shoulders were exposed. A white blanket cloaked the rest of her body. She looked like a skeleton.

The nurse said, "She won’t eat or drink."

It was difficult to look into the eyes of this frail failing woman. It was if we had never met. For as long as I have known my grandmother she has been like the Eiffel Tower, tall and made of tons of iron.

"Nana," I said. She slightly opened her eyes. "Please drink some water." [more]

First, a confession. I’m not a very good patient. When I’m sick (and I mean really sick), I don’t want to do anything. I want to stay in bed, watch bad movies and eat Chinese food (something about fried rice with a fever). For years, this was the routine. [more]