It’s Not What You Eat, It’s Who You Eat With: My First Chinese New Year as a PEG Tuber
This year, I’m celebrating my first Chinese New Year as a PEG tuber, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey of adaptation, love, and a few good laughs. If you’re imagining a traditional CNY feast with me slurping noodles or biting into a juicy dumpling, well, think again. But don’t worry—I’ve discovered that it’s not about *what* you eat, but *who* you eat with. And honestly, that’s made all the difference.
The Smells of Food: A Temporary Inconvenience
Let’s start with the shopping mall particular close to the food court. It’s like walking into a food lover’s paradise and being told, “You can look, but you can’t touch.” The smell of roasted veggie, fresh baozi, and those crispy spring rolls hit me like a wave of nostalgia. My stomach growled louder than a lion dancer’s drum, and for a moment, I thought, “Wow, I’m really hungry.”
But here’s the thing: hunger is just a temporary inconvenience. I’ve learned to hold it like a pro. I tell myself, “Don’t worry, in a few hours, I’ll be whipping up a gourmet milk cuisine back home.” Yes, you heard that right—milk cuisine. It’s not exactly a Michelin-star meal, but it gets the job done. And honestly, it’s a small price to pay for still being able to enjoy life.
The key is timing. I make sure I’m not out of the house for more than 2-3 hours. It’s like a little game I play with myself: “How much can I pack into this window before I need to head home for my next ‘meal’?” Spoiler alert: I’ve become a master of efficiency.
Family Dinner: Togetherness is the Main Course
Now, let’s talk about the main event: family dinner. Chinese New Year is all about togetherness, and my mum and sister made sure I didn’t miss out. Sure, I couldn’t exactly join them in devouring the simple feast of Tom yum soup and fried rice, but we still sat together at the table, just like always except the tube is hanging somewhere I can sit.
Here’s the beautiful part: it’s not about the food. It’s about the conversation, the stories, and the love shared around the table. My mum always said the funniest thing when she mispronounce the words or reply is with something unexpected, my sister will banter with me like always, and I sat there with my feeding tube, feeling just as much a part of the meal as anyone else.
The food is just the backdrop—the real magic is in the people.
Finding Joy in the Little Things
My family has been my rock through all of this. They’ve turned what could have been a sad situation into something full of gratitude and normalcy (at least my mum didn't cry on the table). And honestly, that’s what Chinese New Year is all about—being together, no matter what.
And the silver lining is, I'm the only one at the table who doesn’t have to worry about overeating during the holidays. Silver linings, my friends. Silver linings.
So here’s to my first Chinese New Year as a PEG tuber — a celebration of resilience, love, and the joy of togetherness. May the Year of the Snake bring us all good health, happiness, and plenty of moments shared with the people we love.
Gong Xi Fa Cai, everyone! 🎉🐍
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