Life reduced to the basics

About a year ago a student of mine (I was a high school teacher then...I since have quit) suffered a brain injury in an auto accident that essentially left him with no apparent awareness of the world around him. For quite some time he appeared unconscious and immobile, and it was hard to think that he'd ever come out of it. It was very sad to see this young man in his senior year cut down and trapped in a body that doesn't work anymore.

I visit him once a week to read to him. The theory is that if he has some continuity in his life he might maintain (or redevelop) some connectivity and awareness. He hears my voice. I tell him each time I visit it is me, and what I am going to read. He has recently begun some responses. He can squeeze your hand if you ask a question and indicate the response a squeeze is (like squeeze if you want me to continue to read). He does a "thumbs up". His eyes do some weird things, 2 different size pupils and some twitching and scanning...but if he shuts his eyes while I'm reading I remind him that I'm his teacher and he's not allowed to sleep while I'm reading, booiinng! His eyes pop open just like they did when I had him in class!

It is truly a miracle to watch this slow progress...slow but definite. It is also a miracle that we pray together, that I can talk to him about the Lord. This student who was "into" so much before can't be into much now. The irony is that before I had to be careful that I didn't allow "religion" to be a subject of my teaching in public school, but now his mother yearns for someone to come to pray with her son.

One day he might get on his feet, one day he might be able to talk, or sit up, or swallow on his own. His wants are reduced pretty low now, but, the fact is, the miracles in his life now are very clear, very easy to see.