Saturday 14 June 2008

How to Dance in the Rain

 
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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 be able to see him.

I saw him look 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 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 for 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 is one
that comes along that has an important message.

This one I thought I could share with you.

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....I just did.

'Life isn't about how to survive the storm,

But how to dance in the rain.'

Have a Great Day today and remember to stop and think about the MOST
IMPORTANT things in life... those you love and care about...
take time today to dance in the rain!

21 comments:

Patty said...

That was just beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

Middle Ditch said...

Thank you for sharing. I loved that story.

Louis la Vache said...

"Louis" thought you might like to know that it is Flag Day in the U.S. today.

Reader Wil said...

Thanks Patty, happy weekend!

Reader Wil said...

Hi middle ditch. Bedankt ik kreeg het verhaal van mijn dochter.

Reader Wil said...

Merci Louis! I'll have a look.

Louis la Vache said...

In response to your question about how the U.S. flag today differs from the one adopted by the Second Continental Congress in 1777 - the difference is in the number of stars on the flag - one for each state. In 1777, there were 13 stars arranged in a circle on the blue field. Today, with 50 states, we have 50 stars.

Reader Wil said...

Thank you Louis! You know a lot of history, both European and American, which is closely connected to the European of course.

Dina said...

A lovely story, Wil, and a good reminder.

Marvin said...

A very thought provoking story. Thanks for sharing.

RaleighKat said...

This is just a lovely story and very touching. My parents are 86 years old, born four days apart. They don't have Alzheimer's but collectively suffer from tens of ailments. Although they sometimes lose patience with each other, they remain each other's touchstone and solace. Thank you for visiting my Ugli Tomatoes in Katonah, as it enabled me to find your blog!

Reader Wil said...

Yes Dina, we all need this from time to time, don't we.

Reader Wil said...

Thanks Marvin for the visit.

Reader Wil said...

Inkster1 thanks for your visit! I am curious to know what the letter V will bring us! It's good you still have your parents. Having been so long together makes them being very much attached to each other. Of course couples are sometimes impatient towards each other. It doesn't mean anything though.

Janice Thomson said...

A very touching story Wil, with such an insightful message as well.

Chuck Pefley said...

Reader Wil, thanks for your visit to the Fremont Troll. Thanks, too, for your poignant Dancing in the Rain post. One just never, never knows.

Reader Wil said...

Hi Janise, how are you? I am glad to see you again. I have been thinking of you! Thanks for the visit.

Reader Wil said...

Thanks Chuck! I love trolls and took photos where ever I could!

Liz Hinds said...

That is beautiful. So easy to forget.

Reader Wil said...

Thanks Liz, I love your flag!

Reader Wil said...
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