a single word means so much

Imran is bed bound and due to his illness, finds it hard to do all the things that you and I would take for granted, He can’t walk and barely communicates, apart from if you ask a straight question like ‘How many sheets do you want over you? One or two? Then you get a one word answer which you have already formulated in his head.

I have been visiting him on and off for a few months now and along with the other carer we always try to talk about something to him rather than over his head, which would be really easy to do. I always talk about the cricket knowing his country of origin and their passion for that sport. I am not sure if likes cricket but he always widens his eyes when I am talking about it, so I can only hope I am sparking a memory from his past.

In fact the eyes are his main form of communication if you watch carefully. They acknowledge your arrival when you walk in and tend to be raised for the answer ‘yes’ to any question.

Today was one of those little gems that keeps us care workers going. We walked in and greeted Imran with a cheery hello, before setting about our business. After about five minutes whilst filling in the medication book, I noticed Imran staring at me more intensely than usual, so I smiled at him, and was about to continue my work when all of a sudden he said ‘Hello’

The effort it took him to muster that simple word meant so much more than any amount of ‘thank you's’ that may come from his family.