FW: A Doctor's Story

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 anhour before someone
would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his
watchand 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. He told me that
she had been there for awhile 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, 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 are some that
come along that have an important message, and
this is one of those kinds. Just had it to share it
with you all.

Please share this with someone you care about - I
JUST DID.


A real healthy relationship requires two people.
One person can end it - but it takes 2 to make it
works.