Blame it on the brain #2

What was that word … yes, aphasia.

Imagine knowing exactly what you want to say and that's not what comes out of your mouth. Some folks who have had aphasia have described it like being in that Biblical Tower of Babel. After a stroke, brain injury or disease, some have difficulty understanding what others are saying and sometimes others don't understand what they're saying. It's truly like a foreign language that leaves you frustrated.

And it's frustrating for loved ones who have to train themselves to communicate differently. They need to adopt a new level of patience and compassion because it takes time to make sure they understand each other. And that's a little hard in this fast-paced world that has become quite addicted to instant gratification and instant answers.

I've learned much just by taking that vital time to simply listen to someone tell you what's on their mind. Many that I've communicated with apologize for their difficulty, but I tell them it's okay. I'm there to listen even if they can't express every word they want when they want.

Yes, you can blame it on the brain that has some wires crossed. But remember this: aphasia is not a lost of intellect. People with aphasia are not "stupid." They communicate at different levels and many improve by practice, practice, practice.

Practice the art of listening. You never know when it may open the door to the most extraordinary conversation of your life.