CHAPTER 60

Original: 2008-02-05

Rewritten: 2026-05-05

After two years of attentive care at the group home, Lun developed a fairly well-proportioned build.

During my visits over the past month or so (spring 2026), I noticed his face had filled out, and his little belly had returned—it made me very happy to see.

I suspect his kidney stone pain has improved and is no longer troubling him as much. With greater physical comfort, he has settled down, regained his appetite, and is absorbing proper nutrition.

Since childhood, whenever he felt tense or anxious, aside from shouting, he would pace back and forth all day—even if his appetite was good—burning off calories constantly and becoming thinner and thinner.

I remember that in early 2006, before he moved into the residence, he was very thin, weighing under 100 pounds. After two years there, he had gained over ten pounds, developed an oval-shaped face, and even a noticeable little belly.

At the end of 2007, our family of three went back to Hong Kong to visit relatives and friends. After returning to Canada, we visited Lun at the residence and found his face fuller—he had gained six pounds in the past month. His younger brother was amazed to see his big brother looking chubby and found it quite amusing.

I casually mentioned to the staff that Lun had become rounder. The staff passed this on to the manager, who replied that the weight gain might be a side effect of psychiatric medication. I suddenly recalled a neighbor who appeared dull and fluctuated between being overweight and underweight—my joy quickly turned into concern.

The staff reassured us that they were aware of the possibility of side effects and would strictly monitor the meal plan and portion sizes.

When a child needs psychiatric medication, parents are already worried; they certainly do not want to see side effects. After returning home, I shared all this with my wife so we could face it together.

Thinking it over, we realized that Lun truly has a good appetite—whenever he comes home, he keeps eating. This time, when we went to Hong Kong for vacation, we did not dare bring him along. At first, we feared he would miss us, become emotionally unstable, or have outbursts.

Later, we reconsidered: if he can sense the worries of his loved ones, perhaps he can also share in our joy. If we could return to Hong Kong and fully enjoy time with family and friends without worry, perhaps he could share in that happiness too.

Later, the staff told us that Lun had been very happy during that period. After the Christmas tree was taken down, the cheerful and endearing Lun Lun of the past seemed to return.

Whenever he becomes tense, his appetite drops sharply. Once his mood stabilizes, he starts eating and drinking again. We hope that this time, his increased appetite is simply due to being in a good mood.

The manager and staff were all amazed at the positive changes in his mood. Seeing his condition improve, the doctor gradually reduced his medication, and within about a month, the dosage was lowered to the minimum. The chances of him becoming overweight should be small. With that thought, our worries eased.

Looking at his chubby face and little belly, we feel that his current physique is just right—the ideal build.