Mdm T was a charming 89-year-old lady who never failed to bring a smile to my clinic. She wore cheongsam with an elegant pearl necklace, and walked in with a spring in her step. Having suffered a transient ischemic attack, she had been compliant with medications and follow-up review appointments. We had a good rapport over the ten years that I took care of her.
One day, her son that took her regularly to the clinic did not come with her. A massive heart attack took his life suddenly. It was obvious that the untimely event took a toll on her. She was depressed though she lived with her other son. Her daughter was a researcher based overseas. Nevertheless, she told me to put a star next to her name in the file. For what? I asked. Dr Lee, when the time comes, you decide for me. She replied. It was her way of indicating an advanced medical directive. Ten years of care, trust and friendship were expressed in ten simple words. Is this not the beauty of medicine?
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