Catastrophe - A brutal diagnosis of end-stage cancer
In the cold and unforgiving March of 2013, a wave of footsteps full of anxiety and confusion echoed in the hospital corridor, and Gu Yi shouted hoarsely, "Doctor!
Gu Quanping was ruthlessly sentenced by fate to be a terminal patient with stomach cancer, and the doctor told him solemnly that the only time left to live was numbered. Gu Yi clenched the inspection report in his hand, his heart was as painful as a knife, and he couldn't accept this cruel truth.
His father, who was once strong and healthy, is now suffering from illness beyond recognition.
Gu Yi recalled his own growth process, showing extraordinary wisdom since he was a child, and was successfully admitted to Peking University. And his parents, who have always been industrious and simple farmers, unreservedly invested all their savings in his education.
He had determined that his parents would live a happy life, but he never expected that this would end up like this.
Doctors recommend immediate surgery to remove five-sixths of the stomach. Gu Yi knew that this was the last straw and had no choice. Although the surgery was barely successful, the cancer cells had begun to spread unstoppably.
The long chemotherapy process of the following year gradually made my father, who was originally strong, become skinny and fell into endless pain. Doctors once again warn that if it continues, he will have only three months left to live.
Gu Yi watched his father die step by step, and his heart was filled with endless despair.
"Journey of Rebirth" - A wonderful tour of Australia
On November 3, 2015, a family of three finally set foot on Australian soil. At the airport, Gu Yi's son was already looking forward to it at the exit, and when he saw the arrival of his grandparents, his excitement was overflowing, and the three hugged each other tightly.
Despite being in a foreign country, Gu Quanping and his wife were still curious about everything around them, and looked around cautiously. Subsequently, Gu Yi led them to visit their son's university, and the two old men looked at the energetic young people on campus, and couldn't help but feel a different kind of emotion in their hearts.
A few days later, Gu Yi told her parents that she would leave for China tomorrow. In reality, however, he had secretly planned his next trip – a "rebirth journey" around Australia without his parents' knowledge.
It wasn't until the parents experienced it themselves that they suddenly came to their senses, and Gu Yi revealed to them his intention to carefully arrange this trip with a sincere and frank attitude: "You have dedicated your lives to your family, and I hope that in the last stage of your life, you can enjoy this wonderful trip to the fullest!" After listening to his son's affectionate words, Gu Quanping was deeply moved, and he showed a smile that he hadn't seen for a long time.
So, the whole family came together to set sail on this wonderful trip full of fun and gratitude. The incomparable charm of the beach, the sea and nature is displayed one by one, making Gu Quanping feel as if he has returned to the vitality of his youth, running unrestrained in the blowing sea breeze, picking up colorful shells in his hands, and his heart is full of happiness and satisfaction.
Gu Yi always cared about his father's physical condition and cautiously guided him to conduct a physical examination. Surprisingly, my father's condition miraculously improved a lot, and even the doctors were amazed by this.
The burden in Gu Yi's heart was finally lightened a lot, and what he felt was the joy and happiness that he had not felt for a long time.
During this journey, Gu's father also orchestrated a surprise – proposing to his wife again on the magnificent Great Barrier Reef to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary. When Gu's mother saw her husband kneeling on one knee and holding flowers in his hand, her tears were like springs, and her happiness was overflowing.
Reflections after returning
After the trip, Gu Yi accompanied his father again for a comprehensive physical examination, which showed that Gu Quanping's condition had not deteriorated, but had improved significantly. This "journey of rebirth" seems to have really become the "rebirth" of my father.
In 2017, Gu Yi and his father participated in the TV show "Open the Door", in which he fondly recalled his mental journey when filming "The Last Trip".
"At that time, I just wanted my father to be able to truly feel the beauty of this world before he passed away. As a documentary photographer, I hope to capture them with my lens and convey the deep feelings in my heart.
Gu Yi said with emotion.
When Gu's father's life was dying, Gu Yi finally realized this. He resolutely put down the work at hand and wholeheartedly accompanied his parents through the last good times.
And this "journey of rebirth" gave Gu's father a new lease of life. In the embrace of nature, he seems to have regained the vitality of youth, got rid of the troubles of illness, and rekindled his love for life.
This is undoubtedly the best reward for Gu Yi.
Is it precisely because of this unique and profound experience that Gu Yi's father was able to selflessly release the brilliance of freedom and happiness like the sun in the last years of his life? For Gu Yi himself, he has learned from this personal experience the purity and preciousness of love and the far-reaching impact of family companionship.
The ultimate affectionate confession
In the in-depth interview of "Open the Door", the emotional Gu Yi said frankly: "Perhaps, this is not only my father's new life, but also my personal spiritual awakening.
He recalled that the moment he learned that his father was terminally ill, the deep struggle and pain in his heart were beyond words. At that time, he even wanted his father to continue to endure the endless torture of chemotherapy, just to be able to accompany him through the journey of life for a few more months.
However, in the end, he chose to give his father a free and comfortable way to die.
"I didn't want my father to spend his last days in that cramped hospital room, full of pain and despair. On the contrary, I hope that he can enjoy the beauty and freedom of life in the vast world.
Gu Yi's words carried deep emotional fluctuations.
In the process of making this difficult choice, Gu Yi has always been in self-doubt. As a filial son, did he make the most correct choice? And when his father finally stepped out of the country and felt the vitality of life in the embrace of nature, Gu Yi finally let go of the burden in his heart.
"I want to keep my father's time in Australia forever – that free, happy figure. Gu Yi sighed, "Therefore, I have been using my camera to capture those unforgettable moments.
Back then, Gu Yi named this group of photos "The Last Journey". However, it now seems that this is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter. What my father showed in this journey was a new understanding of life and an endless love for life.
Sincere filial piety
At this moment, Gu Yi's heart was full of gratitude and guilt. He was glad that he didn't give up easily, but gave his father a chance to start anew. However, he also deeply regretted why he waited until his father's life was dying to value every moment he spent with his family so much.
"I vow to pay more attention to my parents and give them more happy times in the future. I can't let them wait alone until they regret it. Gu Yi said firmly.
This unforgettable experience made Gu Yi deeply realize the true meaning of life. As children, we must always pay attention to the needs of our parents and reciprocate their meticulous nurturing grace with enthusiasm! Only in this way can we truly achieve filial piety and let our parents enjoy the taste of happiness and satisfaction in their limited life journey.
Gu Yi knows that the so-called filial piety is not limited to providing material life for parents. More importantly, it is important to build a deep emotional bond with them, and do your best to accompany them, share their worries, and share their joys.
When his father's life was dying, Gu Yi finally realized this. He resolutely put down the work in his hand and wholeheartedly accompanied his parents through the last good times.
This "journey of rebirth" not only made Gu's father regain his enthusiasm for life, but also radiated the vitality of the second spring.
Perhaps it was because of this unforgettable experience that Father Gu radiated the brilliance of freedom and happiness like the sun in the last stage of his life. Gu Yi also learned the preciousness of life and the importance of companionship.
He hopes that with his own personal experience, more people will be able to awaken their love for their parents. In this fast-paced era, we are often shackled by busy work and trivial lives, neglecting the quality time spent with our families.
It wasn't until after the loss that I regretted it.
"We should always remember that our parents have been silently and patiently waiting for us all their lives. They give us life and pour out their selfless love. As children, we owe it to them with the most sincere heart.
Gu Yi sighed, "Only in this way can we become truly filial children."
In the program "Open the Door", Gu Yi fondly recalled the original intention of filming "The Last Trip". He hopes to capture the backs of his parents through the camera, and express his deep affection for them and endless longing for them.
In the end, Gu Yi sincerely appealed to the majority of children, please be sure to always pay attention to the needs of their parents, and repay their nurturing grace with sincere love. Only in this way can we truly achieve filial piety and let our parents enjoy the taste of happiness and satisfaction in their lifetime.