A Special Touch

Since we last saw my mother-in-law in April this year (Read here), her health has sadly declined further. Even the simple act of sitting up now requires assistance.

Yet, during this visit, one thing was beautifully clear - she was genuinely happy to see so many of us, especially Sam’s family and her two great-granddaughters from Singapore (Read here). Her eyes lit up, and her faint smiles spoke volumes, even when words were few.

My daughter-in-law, Rachel, seemed to have a special touch with her. Though it was her first time visiting the care home, Rachel was so naturally gentle and attentive - helping her sit up, adjusting pillows to ensure she was comfortable, and speaking to her with quiet warmth. Those tender gestures surely brought comfort to my mother-in-law’s heart.

What touched me most was how my mother-in-law seemed to recognize and respond to Rachel’s voice more easily than to any of ours - as if a quiet bond had formed between them, beyond words, beyond time. Perhaps it was a sign of a deeper connection, one heart reaching out to another in kindness and care.

Rachel also suggested to my wife that it would be beneficial for my mother-in-law to do some simple stretching exercises to help keep her body active and strong. My wife warmly embraced the idea and immediately demonstrated a few gentle movements, showing how even small efforts could bring positive change. To our delight, my mother-in-law joined in willingly, trying her best to mirror each motion with quiet determination.

What made the moment even more heartwarming was when another elderly resident nearby - who had been quietly observing - soon began to follow along as well, moving her hands and arms in rhythm with my wife’s actions. It became a simple yet beautiful scene of shared encouragement, connection, and joy - a reminder of how kindness and togetherness can uplift the human spirit.

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My wife and I had a few extra days with her - one before Sam’s family arrived, and another after they left. In a place where life often moves at a slow and monotonous pace, those moments of personal connection meant the world to her.

There was the gentle comfort of a massage lovingly given by her daughter - my wife - the joy of watching videos of her other grandchildren living overseas, and the simple pleasure of tasting other food brought in from outside. Each small gesture seemed to brighten her day - reminders of family, love, and life beyond the walls of the care home.