Wednesday, August 6, 2008

How to Dance In The Rain

I received this forward from a friend last night. I rarely pass these things on but I decided to read it and pass it along. I decide to post it here because I haven't seen something that so succinctly describes my parent's relationship for the past 6 years.
Next month, my parents will celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary. If ever there was a time where leaving the other would be easy now would be an excellent time for my father to bail (in fact, it's been suggested to him and me). My parents' marriage wasn't always picture perfect but they kept at it. And my father's love for my mother is so touching. This story isn't about my folks but it could be.

*********************************
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 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, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry.The gentleman toldno, 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 in five years. 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 beThe happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.

2 comments:

  1. My heart goes out to you and your dad. I have witnessed my mother age a lot in the past year or two and it is a frightening experience- one that can only be comforted by knowing this is the love my parents share too. oh sheesh- cry fest on a Wednesday morning!

    ReplyDelete
  2. So touching! I got this email too, and just about teared up at work. It's beautiful.

    ReplyDelete

Shiny! I love comments.