Celebrating appreciation of life
Print Edition
After a brain hemorrhage almost killed her, Han Mei wrote an account of her experience online and the thoughts that followed. It attracted 20,000 hits in just one day.
Her message, especially to those facing similar life crises, is to be brave, determined and thankful for life.
Last May, Han fell in her office amid all her co-workers. She had never had any prior health problems.
“My first epiphany is to be nice to everyone because when something happens, the stranger next to you may be your savior,” she said.
Han had emergency surgery an hour after the collapse. She remained in a coma for two months. When she finally regained consciousness, her brain functions were normal but her memory was erratic.
“I was one of the lucky ones pulled back from death, but the hemorrhage did have its effects,” she said. “I felt like a baby seeing the world for the first time, acting on instructions from doctors and family without the faintest notion what was going on.”
She added, “But strangely, all I felt was peace.”
Han began cognitive rehabilitation in July at Huadong Sanatorium, beginning with simple task such as using Lego blocks, doing elementary math and forming short sentences.
“I wasn’t able to draw the hands on a clock so that they registered half past two,” she said. “I remember the look on my friends’ faces when they saw me in that state.”
Han recorded her frustrations at not being able to do simple, everyday actions. She also wrote of her joy the day she was able to ditch her walking stick and her pride when she once again could drive to work.
Five months after the attack, Han was back in her office. Her doctor calls her recovery truly remarkable.
“I contemplated on the clarity in my heart when I first opened my eyes,” she said. “Later, I discovered that more than 130 people had paid me visit while I was unconscious, and I think that’s where the feeling came from.”
The experience has left her with a deep gratitude for life.
“It made me realize that life isn’t long, and we might not be here tomorrow,” she said. “We must learn to live everyday to the fullest.”
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