Losing the Parent You Once Knew

Letting Go of the Parent You Love | 12 Years of Caregiving in Thailand

Letting go of the parent you once knew—and learning to accept that your loved one will never be the same person again—can be heartbreaking. On top of that, coping with caring for a declining parent for years while trying to take care of yourself is a whole other challenge.

In her early thirties, Joanne Narksompong, an American-Thai expat living in Bangkok, Thailand, faced one of the greatest challenges of her life—and it lasted 12 years. In 2012, Joanne’s dad, whom she adored, experienced a mini-stroke. As his health declined, Joanne lost the dad she once knew while stepping into the role of caregiver.

How does one watch the person they once knew slip away? And as a caregiver, how does that impact their well-being?

From heartbreak to resilience, 45-year-old Joanne opens up about the challenges of being a caregiver, coping with her dad’s declining health, and learning how to let go while still loving him deeply.

This powerful episode explores grief, love, resilience, transformation, and healing. If you’re an expat in Thailand, a Bangkok local, or anyone navigating caregiving or parental loss, this story will resonate deeply.