“Cherish every moment of inspiration in life... Let’s give them a round of applause!” The resolute, powerful singing echoed throughout the rehabilitation hall of Nanjing Zijin Hospital. A young man in a hospital gown held his very own “concert,” drawing several family members of patients to gather and watch.

This “powerhouse vocalist” is Xiao Zhang, 32 years old. In April 2020, he fell into a coma at the scene of a traffic accident and was diagnosed with traumatic brain injury and an intertrochanteric femoral fracture, among other conditions. He was transferred to Nanjing Zijin Hospital in May and is now recovering well, with nearly unimpaired language function and clear consciousness.

“Xiao Zhang? I know that little rascal!” Ms. Tong, a family member from the neighboring ward, perked up as soon as she heard us talking about Xiao Zhang. In the ward, Xiao Zhang is quite the celebrity—his expressive eyes and witty tone endear him to everyone. Even the therapists at the rehabilitation center are impressed: “He’s a real bundle of joy; wherever he goes, there’s laughter.” With his naturally loud voice and a knack for self‑deprecating humor, Xiao Zhang has been bringing a cheerful vibe to the rehabilitation hall lately.

As the saying goes, “Like father, like son,” but Xiao Zhang’s father is a reserved and low-key man. After Xiao Zhang’s accident, his father quit his job and traveled all the way from their hometown in Anhui to stay by his son’s side. Though he doesn’t say much, his eyes are filled with deep affection for his son. During training, he stays close by, occasionally smoothing the hem of his son’s clothes. His father says that although these past few months have been incredibly tough, May 29th remains the day he will never forget. That afternoon, while receiving oxygen, his son woke up for the first time, and the very first thing he said was, “Where’s Dad?” “It was then that I truly felt the fruits of months of hard work.”
“It was not in vain!” Father said, quite pleased.  

Xiao Zhang used his singing to soothe the pain of other patients and, with cheerful laughter and lively conversation, touched every wounded heart. Yet in recent days, he has seemed somewhat restless, often staring blankly into the distance. “I’m starting to miss home… Why won’t my leg get better?” Since regaining consciousness, Xiao Zhang has yet to see his wife or his two children. As the head of his family, he longs to be discharged soon and return home to shoulder the responsibilities that rightly belong to him.

Wishing Xiao Zhang a speedy recovery. Though we can’t force things to go our way, may joy always remain!