Goodbye to a “Tango Life”

At age 51, Shu-zhi began showing signs of Parkinson’s disease. Her body grew stiff and rigid, making movement extremely difficult. She began what she called her “tango life,” with her husband holding her as they moved about and carried out daily activities in a way that resembled dancing the tango.

Unwilling to undergo Western medical tests or treatment, she spent the next four years using health supplements in an effort to manage her symptoms. Her husband looked after her with great devotion, but the strain gradually wore down his own health. Their daughter struggled to understand why her mother would rather suffer in silence than seek professional help. It was as if the illness had restricted not only Shu-zhi’s body but her mind as well, leaving her unwilling to explore other treatment options. In time, she sank into despair and even began to contemplate ending her life.

A turning point came when she and her husband visited Qing’an Residence, a long-term care facility at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital. They had been encouraged to go by university friends—Lin Ming-nan (林名男), vice superintendent of the hospital, and his wife. The cheerful environment and the warm, attentive care from the medical staff gave Shu-zhi a glimmer of hope. She decided to move in.

After her admission, the medical team evaluated her physical and mental condition. Respecting her preferences, they began treatment with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Through her TCM doctor, Shu-zhi gradually learned about the latest advances in Western treatments for Parkinson’s. That’s when I, a neurologist at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, first met her. She shared her journey since falling ill, and I offered emotional support. After a few more meetings, she began to accept my treatment recommendations.

Just one week after starting the medication I prescribed, she was able to take slow, steady steps on her own. She no longer needed help to stand or walk. Her husband, half-jokingly, exclaimed, “I was fooled for four years! With treatment, she can move on her own after all!”

At first, her limited mobility made her anxious about leaving her room. But three months after moving into Qing’an Residence, she bravely stepped out and began moving around in the hallway. I often visited her after clinic hours, and her TCM doctor continued to provide care and encouragement.

After a pleasant year at Qing’an, feeling that her mobility had improved enough, she discussed with her family her next steps. That’s when she decided to leave the residence and move to Kaohsiung, in southern Taiwan.

She began a new chapter of her life there. Every day, she walked 50 laps around her kitchen island to maintain her strength. She returned to Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital every three months for follow-up visits, and our team continued to support her. The head nurse, social workers, and volunteers even took time off to celebrate her birthday with her.

A year after moving to Kaohsiung, she went shopping at a nearby supermarket with her family. Long-lost smiles had returned to their faces.

Dharma Master Cheng Yen once said, “Love is the most powerful force for happiness in the world.” I believe every encounter is the result of karmic affinity—even those between medical teams and patients. Our team strives to make the most of this connection, helping patients find happiness and reminding them that love is always by their side.