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Saturday, June 04, 2011

An early appointment

I received the following story via e-mail. I don't know whether or not it is true, but I thought it had a good sentiment.

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had to be somewhere by 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient,
I would evaluate his wound.

On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's.

As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised, and asked him, "And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?"

He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Yes, he did indeed know who she was. For to go otherwise, would be of no effect. As we live in a world which keeps getting further detatched from the human element of mankind, this story cannot but help to serve as a reminder of what love is, and should be.

there are countless ones everyday who suffer neglect to the point of being forgotten. Neglect from the clutches of foolish pride and worldy lusts that consume many. Forgotten memories in favor of a newfound craze or emotion which shall perish at the dawn.

Much can be said for having an early mindset, as this gentleman had. For even our Lord arose at an early hour. For what can man do when darkness sets in, and the oil is gone from his lamp?