Note: This week’s blog post is written by Shes Rivera, PT, and  Guatemalan Director of TCI.

“Thank you for asking me, for listening to how I feel, thank you for explaining to me, thank you for teaching my husband.” Those were Maria´s words as she said goodbye after being discharged from therapy last week. 

I met Maria and her husband Tomas when they came to Health Talent’s Caris Clinic, looking for help for her pelvic problem affecting her daily life and marriage. Maria only spoke K’iche (the local language), and knowing I needed a translator, I asked her husband Tomas, who spoke some Spanish, if he could translate or if he’d prefer I get someone else to translate. 

“I prefer someone else. My Spanish is not very good, and I may say something different from what you’re saying or make up things I don’t understand,” Tomas replied. 

As we waited for the translator, I asked Tomas to translate and began to ask Maria about her problem.  Every question I would ask, Tomas would answer instead of translating and letting Maria answer. I stopped and told him, “Ask her.” Even when the translator came, Tomas kept answering questions for his wife without asking her. 

Honestly, I was frustrated. I forgot this is part of the Guatemala culture, the culture I live in. Eventually, Maria began to answer my questions, looking at the floor nervously. Tomas was surprised with each of her answers. He didn’t know some of these personal things about his wife. 

The next visit was different. Tomas would speak for Maria, but then he would stop and apologize. With a smile, he said, “I am learning.” 

Every visit I could see a more interactive couple. Maria’s face changed. She would speak and even joke while Tomas would ask the question to her in K’iche, listen to her response, and make sure they both understood the exercises. After every question he would say, “I am learning.” 

It was a good reminder that I am learning, too. I am learning to take the time to listen to others and ask how they are feeling. I am learning the impact giving people a voice makes.  

What about you? Where do you see yourself in this story? What are you learning?