Yesterday, I interviewed a client with a rare illness. Most people fail to understand the illness, because it is a type of sleep disorder.

Oh, my, I felt like giving him a hug.

He told me how he prefers to be lonely, because when he's around people, he has to bear listening to the accusations of him simply being lazy and kuat tidur, despite him explaining that he has a disease. Even his marriage fails.

All I could say is, "Maaf."

"Maaf," to me, sounds so fake. It's more natural to say, "I'm so sorry you have to go through this. I'm sorry to hear about your divorce."

Since the interview was conducted in Malay, I said, "Maaf." Couldn't find other words to console him.

He was pleasant and coorperative though, enthusiastic to answer my questions even, as if he was happy that I was trying to understand his life.

Driving back home, I almost cried. I feel so lucky to be blessed with health. That man must be special, because he was chosen by God to endure it. Even listening to his experience is depressing.

It also make me realize, not to quickly judge a person. A lazy, sleepy man, might appear to be one, because he has an actual debilitating medical condition.