What Are She/He/They Feeling?

Carol and Tom had good jobs, a nice house, a fine son and a talented daughter, Amy. While a freshman at Michigan, Amy contracted a mysterious virus. After a two year coma she regained consciousness. Impaired but aware of her situation, she will never be “normal,” and requires lots of care from family, mostly Carol.

My wife developed some dementia, requires constant care from me. Carol was empathetic:

“How is she?”

“OK.”

“How are you?”

“Pretty good. I didn’t know how tough this would be. Now I feel what you’ve gone through.”

“Thanks. But imagine what it’s like for Amy.”