I Know Why I Do It

Today I witnessed a breakthrough.

Today a client broke out of the prison of her own physical limitations...and communicated with me.

Global aphasia is such a scary-sounding diagnosis, and it is one that carries the weight of knowing you'll never be the same again. This beautiful woman fell victim to a stroke, rendering her in near-vegetative state and diagnosed with global aphasia. I have had the privilege of working with her for a couple of weeks, with some (though little) progress--until today.

Me: "Do you want a bite to eat?"
She: [reaches out and touches a button on a communication board] "Yes," the board's speaker blares.

She did it at least a dozen more times! And all this time we've been working on getting her to acknowledge the buttons! Today she not only did that, but USED them! Woohoo!

This is so why I do what I do! I seriously had tears in my eyes and engulfed her in a big hug (whether she truly wanted it or not, I don't know for sure, but her huge smile tells me there's a big chance she did).

I have tears in my eyes as I think about it now. How absolutely amazing it is to be able to help someone trapped within themselve to relate to and communicate with the world around them. I am so very glad that God has brought me to this point and continues to shape me into a tool He can use for His work!

Oh, and if anyone is looking for volunteer work, consider a nursing home. These guys are the most precious folks you'll ever meet! Even the hard-nosed, impatient ones have so much good in them--so much need and so much hurt that can be smoothed over with just a smile and understanding nod. My hardest client can be so downright rotten at times in his attitude, but I still love seeing his face every day. He has a lot to offer this world, still, after nearly 80 years. All of them do; they are just waiting for a younger person to come hear them out and pick up their torches. I spent about an hour after therapy let out today with one of my clients, giving her a manicure and a pedicure to cover up the hideous orange paint that she unknowingly paid to have done. Not a second of that time was wasted--we were both blessed with the company. You could, too!