Wednesday, January 19, 2005

WHAT IS TRUE LOVE?

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This was sent to me via email by my good friend Analou. :)
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It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman,
in his 80's, presented to have sutures (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
an hour before someone would to able to see him.

I saw him looking 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, 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
a while 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 I asked him, "And you are still going 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 goosebumps 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.