Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004 7:57 A.M.
It was a busy morning, approx. 8:30 am when an elderly gentleman, in his 80's, arrived to have sutures removed from his thumb. He stated that he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 a.m. I 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.
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 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 hope you all have a wonderful day with your special someone. And those of you that have nobody in you lives right now, treat yourself to some chocolate, a good book or a movie and realize that you too are special!
