This week’s writing challenge was to write 150 words inspired by the idea of someone performing a mundane task for the first time.
My effort was inspired by having known someone who suffered a terrible head trauma and had to learn to do very basic tasks again – as if for the first time.
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Getting Better
Getting better. Moving soon.
They tell me 6 weeks. That’s how long it’s been. I’ve been asleep. Since the accident. Happened on a road. I was on the phone. I think. The man didn’t stop. Doesn’t matter. Here now. Too hot and smells funny. Big day today. Jodie showed me. Got to do it myself. That’s what they say. Can’t go home. Not until I can use the spade.
Fork.
Spoon.
Spoon, that’s it.
It was hard. Felt like a baby. Chasing hand to get the food. Trying, forcing, squeezing, shouting. Jodie says getting mad makes it worse. Bite my tongue. Get some in. Rice everywhere. Sticky on my chin. Falling on my sheets. Couldn’t get it all. Doctor watching, writing down.
Hand hurts. Head hurts. Tired now. Jodie cried and kissed me. Sticky rice on her face now.
Try again tomorrow.
Getting better. Moving soon. That’s what they say.
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As ever, I would love your feedback, comments, tweets and follows so please get in touch and join the conversation.
For those of you following the 15K in May Challenge, I have decided to post at weekly intervals – starting with my first progress update on Wednesday. In the meantime, take a look at this previous post for more info, or search for #15kinmay updates on Twitter.
Brilliant! This has actually been me, massive spinal cord damage – had to relearn everything. Excellent insight…well done with your new challenge! :))
Thanks a million, Donna – sorry to hear about your injury. Hope you are getting better now? Yes, it was the story of a friend of my family that really touched me. It just looked like such a traumatic thing to have to deal with.
This is great. A great insight.
My dad had an accident almost 30 years ago – he went through a long period that the above reminded me off. And your right… try again tomorrow… getting better 🙂
Thank you, Annmarie – yes, I know that it can be a very, very long road to recovery with lots of tiny steps on the way. Despite massive advances in medicine and science, the brain is still largely a mystery to us.
oh ps I popped into your AtoZ posts every so often and really enjoyed them.
Thanks – very kind of you to say so.
Wow! What a post!
Thanks for the kind words! Much appreciated.
People who have to learn again from scratch and succeed are my heroes.
I agree, Misha. It can be heart-breaking to watch, but awe-inspiring too.