True Love

[Guest guest]

It was a busy morning, approximately 8.30 a.m., when an elderly

gentleman, in his 80's presented to have a sutures (stitches) removed

from his thumb.

 

He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9.00 a.m.

I (nurse) took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it

would be over an hour before someone would be 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.

Asked him if he had a doctor's appointment this morning somewhere

else, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman tole me no, that he

need to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

 

I then inequired 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 recognised him in five years now.

 

I was surprised, and asked him, " And you are still going every

morning, even though she does not know who you are? " He smiled as he

patted my hand and said, " She does not 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 be.

 

(Taken from Ideas Exchange, February 2009)