She said “I love you”!

It takes some mule stubbornness, Job’s patience, childlike naivety and maybe God given faith to talk to a person who doesn’t respond. What more the person is a stranger to you? She only stares at you with a scowl on most days.

But she is one of my favourite stop. Whenever I am too overwhelmed with sad cases or need a break from all the pains people are going through, I would drop by and talk to her even when she doesn’t respond.

I normally start with showing her my badge to let her see my name. I am not sure if she is mad with me for being so forgetful because hahaha, I introduce myself to her every day. I will tell her the date and the day like “Today is August 25th and it is a Monday. I hope you have a good weekend? Do you remember me? My name is Lilian and I am a volunteer here.”

I talked about the weather or show her some pamphlets that I have forgetfully stuffed into my bag. Sometimes, I asked her if it is ok I say a little prayer. Sometimes, I just stare back at her.

It is kind of silly, standing there with nothing to say. But it is the warm touches that matter, I suppose. Once in a while, she will repeat my “hello”. However, this morning, she seems more alert. So, I asked her, “I heard they say you were a teacher? Which school?” And she told me, “Convent Light Street”. I was so happy! She is responding to my question.

Then, I asked her if she is happy because I told her the nurses love her a lot and they really took care of her well. She is often pampered with baby lotion and baby powder. That’s what make me love to be in her room because it is like an escape for me from the others. She is a picture of serenity with her soft brown eyes and soft skin. With the fragrance of the baby lotion, one can temporarily forget the harsh, horrific disease – brain tumour. I dwell in company of the teacher in front of me.

What she answered me is private but it affirms me that my visit has been meaningful. All those inane talks I had been babbling for the past 6-7 weeks are not falling on deaf ears. She hears and she knows.

Finally, I asked her if she can say “I love you” because the nurses told me previously, when she was better, she would do it. And she actually said it! I was so happy and told her I love her too.

And I love God for the opportunity to go through experiences like these in my daily life. For without these tiny signs and responses, I would probably give up hope. So many family members gave up hope on their elderly loved ones. Sad but it is so common.

I must always remember the person next to me. Not a statistic, not a number, not a name but a person.