People, not so much![]() In the early years of our marriage, my husband and I usually saw Doc together with our pets. And, for the life of me, I could not understand why he only looked at and spoke to my husband. I would almost get up in his face, without as much as a look sideways! Then hubby explained (what I should have realized) about the cultural deference of speaking to the man and I completely understood and relaxed about it. My husband actually did many things alone and for me a while after my injuries in 1999. I gradually began taking our fur babies in for their Doc visits independently, since they were so well behaved on leash. I was amazed at how kind and compassionate Doc was with me. He had followed the events of the hostage situation as his office is not far from the hospital. He told me about how he had heard the helicopters that day in June. He had prayed to the Virgin Mary, who had helped him through the hard times in his life, as he was following the story on the radio - knowing this was about Alvin's Mother. He actually hugged me in a paternal manner. I knew, at that point, we had become friends. It seemed like I was always running to Doc's office for some reason with having our kitty, Scottie and our two Labs, Alvin & Aunt Baby. At least one of them was always needing flea medicine or nails trimmed or their annual immunizations. He opened up more and more, telling me stories of his childhood years, his decision to come to America and the difficulties he faced through the years with discrimination. Despite many obstacles, he’s built a very successful medical practice. I felt such a sense of pride when he began smiling at me, looking at me in the eyes and asking me to call him by his "real" first name. He honored me by calling me by my first name as well, which is not his usual custom. As only a true friend would, he gave us his best advice when it came time to make our heartbreaking decision about "putting Alvin down". He even came to our home to make Biggie as comfortable as possible in his own surrounds. We were touched when a picture of Alvin that we had sent to Doc in a thank you was placed in a frame on a wall over his desk. A few years ago, I got Doc to reveal his birthday to me. I had started popping in on him to see how he was doing. His health was starting to fail/ mostly pulmonary. He’d been having a hard time catching his breath, even when walking a very short distance. Even though Doc is in the field, like many, he has a natural distrust of physicians and really doesn't take the best care of himself. I was able to make a modest suggestion that was health-related "here and there" but, at best, I was happy to go out to lunch with him a couple times a month. Doc's appetite is non-existent. He gets absorbed in his work and forgets to eat. But, he enjoyed going out for a burger (his favorite) giving him an opportunity to scold me for eating fish or a salad. I have been inherently programmed to treat, or at least go Dutch, when eating out with friends. Doc would become indignant at the very thought. “It is not the Egyptian way." I learned he had a penchant for Godiva chocolates and kept him well supplied with his favorite sweets. At one of our lunches he told me about Sarah, his soulmate of four years who shared the same birthday as he does. After his marriage ended, he met Sarah when she brought her dog to his office. Their friendship grew into an affair of the heart. I learned that their shared birthday is March 24th. Months after Sarah died, Doc was surprised to be contacted by her lawyer. He was informed that his soulmate had left him quite a bit of earthly possessions and a plot right next to hers in the cemetery. Doc had uncharacteristic tears in his eyes when he told me, so, Sarah's grave is never without flowers since then. Doc told me that he would be leaving this Earth on March 24th. I replied, “Let's take that as it comes, okay?" For the last year, Doc has been getting increasingly weaker, yet he worked every day, except for a few hospitalizations related to his breathing. About a month ago, he fell while walking into his home. Fortunately, a friend was with him and called 911. After spending a couple weeks in the rehabilitation unit, Doc is back home, with nursing and home health care in place. I know he is chomping at the bit to get back to his office and who knows? With his will power and resolve, anything is possible. For now, I'm grateful for the chance to visit him as often as I like. And yes, he still gets an appetite for his burger and fries. I've even added a chocolate milkshake to his favorite meal. I recently happened upon this inspirational quote... Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched in the minds of others and the stories they share about you. (Shannon L. Alder) Doc has a place in my heart forever. His legacy is one that inspires me every day. He loves and has lived his work, in helping to rescue animals--making and keeping them healthy. Each visit I get with my friend, Doc, is a special gift to me. Our next vet will have huge shoes to fill. Frank Sinatra’s, My Way, is the perfect song to dedicate to my friend, the Doc. Until next time, wishing you peace and inspiration, your way,
mar
22 Comments
Maria, This lovely story has touched my heart, dear friend. Thank you for sharing your connection with your Vet in such a personal way. Leave it to you to create a bond with your Vet...("Vets".who are in fact, Pediatricians for our Fur Babies. :)
Reply
Dear Maria,
Reply
Mike
8/21/2016 07:52:14 pm
Hello Maria - What a loving, tender story. Doc is a man who obviously loved deeply. It is no wonder that you found such a compassionate man to take care of your many four legged companions.
Reply
Shannon
8/22/2016 08:57:07 am
Aww, Maria. Why'd ya GI and do that for? Kids are off to school so I don't have to play referee anymore and I was enjoying the quiet before I leave for work. Your stories are always touching and inspiring, like you. This one puts a lump in my throat.
Reply
William Holland
8/22/2016 10:06:24 am
Now that, my friend, is a legacy to be proud of. As much as I'd like a little extra cash from time to time, and as hard as I strive to become "known" as a writer, what you just described is hitting the mother lode as a human.
Reply
8/22/2016 10:54:27 am
Prof. Mahreer,
Reply
It's always such a pleasure to learn more about the people and things with which you surround yourself. Doc is no exception to the kind and loving people that add to your life through their friendship and caring nature. I'm also fortunate to have a long term and extremely kind doctor for our four legged critters but not so fortunate to have such a warm and personal relationship with one who factors as strongly in those heartwarming and heartbreaking decisions that inevitably arise.You are indeed lucky to have Doc as a good friend and my prayers and hopes are for his full recovery.
Reply
Dear Maria
Reply
Shauna
9/2/2016 12:59:22 pm
Maria, Doc sounds like a very special man. It must have been very hard for him to adapt to the less formal culture of America. And how very fortunate that he chose to help animals as his life's work.
Reply
crazyhorseladycx
9/6/2016 02:38:15 am
howdy, ms. mar!
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
marcoujorSomething awaits us all. Archives
May 2018
Popular PostsCatching Up With femmeflashpoint
Interview with Kim Thompson Gail Sobotkin: Walking a Sand Labyrinth "Tell Skinny I Said Hi." Introducing Shadows by Bill Holland A Few Of My Favorite Things Sannel Larson: The Total Picture Meet Wanda Keay: Passionate About Wildlife Photography Meet Michael Friedman: The Man Behind the Talent Fine Art America Meet Shauna Bowling: The Inside Story By The Grace of God "Still Alice" |
marcoujor's musings
Inspiration Station
This blog publishes the third Sunday of each month. I look forward to your visits and appreciate your feedback.
Please enjoy your stay...