jkbytes
Active User
Joined: 19 Feb 2005
Posts: 139
Location: South Africa
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It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman
in his 80's, arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated
that 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 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, we began to engage in conversation I asked him if
he
had a 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 then inquired as to her health. H! e told me
that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of
Alzheimer Disease.
As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she
would be worried 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."
I had to hold back tears as he left, 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.
"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything;
they just make the best of everything that comes along their way."
Thanks & Regards,
JKBYTES |
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