Life is a continuous roller coaster ride. Moments when you are really upbeat and others when you are not. Times of great happiness, fulfilment and triumph interspersed with difficult down and out situations.
Sustainability in tough times is a matter of resilience for sure. And the boost for that resilience, its source, often is the unflinching support and unselfish, true love of some people around us. Read a remarkable story recently and thought it to be worth sharing with all of you. Moved me tremendously!
It was a busy morning, about 8:30 am 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 well over an hour before someone else 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 examination, it was well healed and 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 told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I enquired as to her health.
He told me 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 a upset if he was a bit late.
He replied she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognised him in 5 years now. I was very surprised and asked him “And you still go every morning even though she does not know who you are?”
He smiled and patted my hand and said “she doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is.” I had to hold tears back 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 the acceptance of all that is, has been, will be and will never be. The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have.
Acceptance of all that is going on around us, all that is happening – does not matter if it is good, bad or even downright ugly – is such a great virtue to possess. It has a uniquely calming influence. Also gives you an immense amount of courage and wisdom that then helps to convert the situation into a winning one for you.
Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain! Well said!!
have a great weekend, best wishes
rs
beautiful & very inspiring post 🙂
On a dull Sunday eve , reading this article was wonderful.. Opened new stream of positive thoughts.
I read it again & again. The most touching part was “she doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is.” I read this quote very recently “Modante pitaro nrityanti devtah, sanatha cheyam bhurbhavanti.” – One who is filled with love, who sheds tears of gratitude, his presence is enjoyed by those who have crossed over.