REAL LOVE ~ WHAT IT IS

Real Love - - What It Is

It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly
gentleman, in his 80's, presented to have sutures 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 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."

I have retold this story many times, and still get goose bumps
when I tell it. However, today, as I was driving home from a visit
with my sister, and pondering decisions that are forthcoming in
my life, the following prose came to me… as I realized that I do
have that kind of love in my life... and I would like to share it with
you now...

Occasionally, you stumble and fall
Sometimes fall short of your goal
As you lose your way in the night
But don't be frightened ..
I am your God
And you are forever in my sight.