Through the Years -- -- A Very Touching Story

It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 a.m., when an elderly gentleman in his eighties arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry, as he had an appointment at 9:00 a.m. I took his vital signs, and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before anyone would be able to see him.

I saw him looking at his watch, and decided that, since I was not busy with another patient, I would take the time to evaluate his wound. Seeing that the thumb was well healed; I talked to one of the doctors, and got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound. While taking care of his wound, we began to engage in a 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 in the nursing home for a while, and that she was a victim of "Alzheimer's Disease."

As we talked, and I finished dressing his wound, I asked if she would be worried if he were a little bit late.

He replied that she no longer knew who he was, and had not known, for over five years, now.

I was surprised, and asked him, "and, you still go every morning, even though she no longer knows 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 arms, 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.

Oh, and, by the way, peace is seeing a sunset and knowing who to thank.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; but, they make the best of everything that comes along their way.

Sorrow looks back.

Worry looks around.

Faith looks forward.