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 an appointment at 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 h is
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 h e
Was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that
He needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast w ith 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 Disease. 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 a re?"
He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She
Doesn't know me, but I still know who she is."
I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose
Bumps on my arm, and thought, "That is the kind of
Love I want in my life."
True love is neither physical, nor romantic.
True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been,
Will be, and will not be.
With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails,
Sometimes there is one that comes along that has an
Important message. I had to share it with you all.
Oh, by the way, peace is seeing a sunset
And knowing who to thank.
The happiest people don't necessarily have the best
Of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
I hope you share this with someone you care about.
