Sunday, August 20, 2023

Dedicated to my Mom and Dad....

Originally posted on 8/1/2016
 
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 that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00am.

I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him.  I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I wasn't 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 if he had another doctors 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 enquired as to her health.   He told me that she has 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 5 years now.

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

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


I had to hold back the tears as he left.  I had goose bumps on my arms and thought, that's the kind of love I want in my life.

True love is neither physical or romantic.  True Love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be and will not be.  

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything.  They just make the best of everything that that have.

I hope this resonates with you as much as it does for me.  We are all getting older.  Tomorrow may be our turn.

This is for my stepmother who suffered with Alzheimer's and my dad who lovingly took care of her...

I love you Mom & Dad

Friday, August 18, 2023

Gratitude is EVERYTHING!

When we adopt an attitude of gratitude we begin to appreciate all of the wonders of this world.
Sometimes it is the small of things that bring the biggest smiles to our face.  It may be the thoughtfulness of a friend or neighbor.  Then again it may just be the joy you gain from helping others.  What ever we can be grateful for will always serve us well.