Today was a a pretty laid back day. Not too much action. Things are starting to wind down now. Many of my patients are pretty stable, so my rounds are becoming more and more social than anything. It's remarkable to see how far some of the patients have come-a few have been with me for a long time. We each have developed a special relationship; all of them have a story!
My last clinic was this afternoon. Last time walking down the corridor lined with all the patients waving as you enter. Last time having Massa breakout his airfreshener everytime a malodorous patient walks in. Last time having to hear stories about herbie!! There were a lot of people that came today-many because they'd heard that it was my last day. One lady even came to see me and kept calling my phone (Lord knows how she got the number..) just to tell me that she was outside in the waiting area. I was like "ok, I'll see you when you're name is called..." When she finally came in-she told me she had fibroids!! Someone sent her to see me for fibroids?!! I was like-where's herbie?!! I could use him right about now!! LOL.
Ma-Nowah came to see me today. She has been my swan song. When I walked into the hospital today she ran (yes....ran!) up behind me and gave me a big hug! I turned around and looked down to see that it was her. She had come early just to see me! It made me feel so special. Everyone was smiling at us as if they knew her whole story and what she had been through. She is going to be starting school again and is able to enjoy her childhood pain free now. I am so pleased. Whenever I think of the many struggles and frustrations I've encountered-it all seems to fade away when I think of her. All it takes is one to make a difference...
You know clinic wouldn't be clnic without a final V.I.P. story. In the middle of the afternoon I got word that the general administrator was requesting that I perform one last surgery on a guy with a femur fracture tomorrow on the holiday. When the representative from her office walked in and told me, I just sat back with this smile on my face and was like..."sure, no problem." I wonder if I can squeeze in another one of my "regulars" free of charge...I'll let you guys play with that one.
I sat down and chatted with Annie today-the woman who has been cooking and washing our clothing. She was telling me of how she felt that life was so much more simple and less stressful here. How in the states it seems like we don't even have time to sit down and have a decent conversation with one another-always on the go, always texting, on the phone, etc. Chasing after a better life. She said that even though the people don't have much here, they accept life as it comes and are grateful for all that they have. They are at peace with themselves. She doesn't worry about where her next meal comes from, because she knows that someone may be able to share theirs with her. She doesn't worry about being able to pay her rent, because she knows someone will shelter her. She doesn't worry about money, because she knows someone will lend to her. Seems like knowing really is half the battle sometimes...
Mom, you were right when you said that God gave you 2 ears for something. If you just stop and listen you can learn something from anyone...even from the mouth of babes-I know...
"They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."
My last clinic was this afternoon. Last time walking down the corridor lined with all the patients waving as you enter. Last time having Massa breakout his airfreshener everytime a malodorous patient walks in. Last time having to hear stories about herbie!! There were a lot of people that came today-many because they'd heard that it was my last day. One lady even came to see me and kept calling my phone (Lord knows how she got the number..) just to tell me that she was outside in the waiting area. I was like "ok, I'll see you when you're name is called..." When she finally came in-she told me she had fibroids!! Someone sent her to see me for fibroids?!! I was like-where's herbie?!! I could use him right about now!! LOL.
Ma-Nowah came to see me today. She has been my swan song. When I walked into the hospital today she ran (yes....ran!) up behind me and gave me a big hug! I turned around and looked down to see that it was her. She had come early just to see me! It made me feel so special. Everyone was smiling at us as if they knew her whole story and what she had been through. She is going to be starting school again and is able to enjoy her childhood pain free now. I am so pleased. Whenever I think of the many struggles and frustrations I've encountered-it all seems to fade away when I think of her. All it takes is one to make a difference...
You know clinic wouldn't be clnic without a final V.I.P. story. In the middle of the afternoon I got word that the general administrator was requesting that I perform one last surgery on a guy with a femur fracture tomorrow on the holiday. When the representative from her office walked in and told me, I just sat back with this smile on my face and was like..."sure, no problem." I wonder if I can squeeze in another one of my "regulars" free of charge...I'll let you guys play with that one.
I sat down and chatted with Annie today-the woman who has been cooking and washing our clothing. She was telling me of how she felt that life was so much more simple and less stressful here. How in the states it seems like we don't even have time to sit down and have a decent conversation with one another-always on the go, always texting, on the phone, etc. Chasing after a better life. She said that even though the people don't have much here, they accept life as it comes and are grateful for all that they have. They are at peace with themselves. She doesn't worry about where her next meal comes from, because she knows that someone may be able to share theirs with her. She doesn't worry about being able to pay her rent, because she knows someone will shelter her. She doesn't worry about money, because she knows someone will lend to her. Seems like knowing really is half the battle sometimes...
Mom, you were right when you said that God gave you 2 ears for something. If you just stop and listen you can learn something from anyone...even from the mouth of babes-I know...
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| Sunsent at Kendeja. |
-Carl W. Buechner
That is so very precious brother! The picture is quite suiting for a blog such as this!
ReplyDeleteSo inspiring!
ReplyDelete