Being Grateful ~ Another story to share

So as we come closer to the holiday where we sit and reflect on what we are grateful for I think about the patient that I had the honor of xraying today. Its is a very sad story....actually made me want to cry.

I asked Charles (name changed because of HIPPA laws) how he was today.....with a big smile on his face Charles said to me..."as good as can be expected". Here he was...and 80 year old man shining without even knowing tha the was. I asked him what brought him to the doctor...he laughed and said the bus! I chuckled. I love the spirit and humor that comes with age. But then he continued....."you know, I was perfectly fine until I moved from Florida." I asked when was that....he said..."when my wife died..." "I am so sorry that you lost your wife...how long ago was that?" I asked. "At the beginning of the year."

My heart sank. I could feel his pain. A sense of dread came over me...I knew what was next. He told me that his daughter made him move to Pennsylvania. Declaring that he was not able to take care of himself. Now remember, this is a man that was able to get on the bus by himself, dress himself, cook for himself etc. But the daughter, with all good intentions, told him he could not take care of himself.

Now Charles went on....."Yes..I have a son and grandchildren in Florida". I asked "When will you be visiting then?"

Thats when he said what I knew he was going to say....."NEVER"....My heart broke. Charles has given up. He was told that he was unable to take care of himself because his wife had passed on and now he has given up. He said then that he will never live long enough to be able to see Florida or his son or grandkids again.

It was then that I realized....Charles wasn't thinking for himself....he was letting the world around him mould him. I said to Charles...well why on earth not?? He looked at me as though I were insane. I put my hand on his shoulder and told him....if you want to see Florida again and feel the warmth of the sun on your back and lift up your grandkids...then do it....its your life Charles...you are the only one that has the right to chose for yourself......Charles looked at me...that little gleam in his eye came back....he winked and said..."you know...I think I will visit my Grandkids for Christmas!.....

So here is what I am grateful for....firstly for Charles....for teaching me the importance of loving yourself enough to realize that you have the right to think for yourself. And also for teaching me that YOU make it what it is....