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This article examines the complexities of caregiving within the framework of personal and cultural identity.

May 6, 2026

Caring for My Mother

Key Points

This article examines the complexities of caregiving within the framework of personal and cultural identity.
Autoethnographic approach based on personal experiences of caregiving for a mother in a coma.
Exploration of themes such as identity, family dynamics, and cultural implications in Chinese society.
Highlights the emotional significance of caregiving for identity and grief relief.
Discusses the intersection of healthcare and familial obligations in the context of traditional values.

Abstract

Caring for my mother who was in a deep coma after a stroke was meaningful for me. It was not just a duty enacted out of the filial piety of traditional Chinese culture, but also a way to alleviate my guilt for failing to spend enough time with her during my twelve years of study and work overseas. This act of caring was also about my self-identity, as I felt that I would lose my identity as a son when Mom was no longer in this world. This autoethnographic article draws upon my personal experiences to provide insights into healthcare, family, identity, and inequality in Chinese society. Writing in this way helps me to relieve grief and move forward with loss. This article is not only about and for my mother and myself, but also for others and their mothers who have experienced or will experience caregiving and aging.

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