Hithesh is sick
Being thousands of miles away from home means carrying thousands of emotions within you. And when your baby falls ill, everything feels even heavier.
Hithesh fell sick. It has been two weeks now. At first, it was just a slight fever—not very high, nothing alarming. But I am not someone who takes risks when it comes to my baby, so I went to the nearest clinic.
In Japan, the healthcare system differs significantly from that in Sri Lanka. Back home, hospitals are open 24 hours, and you can go at any time without restrictions. But here, it’s different—you have to go to specific clinics, at specific times. It felt strange at first, but over time we found a clinic that is good for day-to-day illnesses like fever, colds, and minor aches.
My husband and I took Hithesh there, and he was given medicine. After two days, he seemed better. But then came a runny nose. Again, we went to the doctor. That improved, too.
But one night, things felt different. While sleeping, he struggled to breathe. His breathing was short, and when he tried to drink milk, he couldn’t continue—he had to stop and breathe through his mouth. I was terrified. My husband stayed strong, carrying the weight and telling me not to panic.
We went back to the doctor. They checked his oxygen levels, and thankfully, everything was normal. He was given a nasal spray and syrup again.
Cough, cold, and fever may not seem like serious illnesses. But when it’s your baby—when he cannot tell you what he feels—it becomes something else entirely. It broke my heart. I stayed awake, watching him, unable to rest.
Can motherhood be this painful? I never understood the weight it carries until I became a mother.
And above all, being in a foreign land makes it even harder. There is no one to share this with—no mother, no father, no siblings. Just my husband and me.
How is your feeling? I know for sure the same feeling, but I love to hear from you!
