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marcoujor: Doc's Way

8/21/2016

22 Comments

 
Picture

He can talk to animals

For over thirty years, my husband and I have taken our many cats and dogs to the same Vet...

He is Egyptian by descent and came to America in his early 20s with his wife, after an arranged marriage to study animal medicine, which was considered a disgrace in his homeland, especially by his Father. I did not know this (or much else about him) until years later, but I did know two things about Doc.
  1. He intimidated the heck out of me (which was not done by too many people).
  2. He was all knowing and all about the animals that he served. What more could we want in a vet?

​

People, not so much

PictureAndy Jordan--Doc's newest fan in our family.
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
paula link
8/21/2016 02:24:07 pm

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. :)
For you to have developed such fondness for this man is simple for me to believe, knowing your absolute "love" for all of your babies. I would even believe you screened & background-checked any potential baby sitters! LOL
You inspire me Maria, in so many ways. This story is one example. Love & Hugs, Paula

Reply
Maria link
8/21/2016 06:48:48 pm

"Believe it or not", you are right about the screening, dear Paula!

I'm not surprised Doc's story touches your heart - which is big and beautiful.

Love and hugs to you too, Maria

Reply
Vicki link
8/21/2016 03:51:41 pm

Dear Maria,

I really love this piece. It's all about love on so many levels. The love is indeed carved on your heart, and his too, and also on many patients and families who have been fortunate enough to receive tender caring from this nice man.
Surely being able to look back on his service to mankind and animal kind is a huge and satisfying reward for him.
Thank you for writing this love letter, dear friend. Cheers to the power of good chocolate, ice cream and milkshakes! This is a man after my own heart.
Love and hugs to you,
Vickster

Reply
Maria link
8/21/2016 06:51:33 pm

Ah, thank you, dear Vickster - you would be able to hold your own with the compassionate but cantankerous Doc... oh that, I am sure.

Your support of me through this time is most appreciated.

Love you much, mareer

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
Maria link
8/22/2016 08:20:38 pm

An insightful summarization of Doc, dear Mike - thanks for your wisdom and for sharing my work so generously.

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
Maria link
8/22/2016 08:14:37 pm

What a sweet comment, dear Shannon.

I appreciate you taking the time to stop by.

Reply
Ruby link
8/22/2016 10:03:08 am

You were truly blessed to find a man like Doc. Sometimes I feel that we are destined to meet a special person that enriches our life, and it seems you've found that someone. Thanks for sharing your friend with us. Hugs.

Reply
Maria link
8/22/2016 08:24:49 pm

I agree with your views on destiny, dear Ruby.

So happy you enjoyed this special piece. Hugs to you too, Maria

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.

love,
bill

Reply
Maria link
8/22/2016 08:28:04 pm

Dear Bill,
Well said - and yes, Doc has established an unforgettable legacy.
Hope Bev is feeling much better. Love, Maria

Reply
femmeflashpoint link
8/22/2016 10:54:27 am

Prof. Mahreer,

I so enjoyed this! I've got Doc on my prayer list, and you're right in that anything is possible.

Thanks for sharing Doc's background and how your wonderful friendship developed. The world needs more guys like him. :)

Reply
Maria link
8/22/2016 08:11:08 pm

You're right, dear femme - the world does need way more Docs...

Thanks for your prayers and ongoing help too. Love ya, mar

Reply
Peg Cole link
8/22/2016 01:56:59 pm

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.
Love you,
Peg

Reply
Maria link
8/22/2016 08:09:16 pm

Thanks for your thoughtful remarks, dear Peg - I knew you could relate to this with the love you have for your fur babies.

Thanks also for your good wishes to Doc - I believe in miracles.

Love you too, Maria

Reply
Martie link
8/27/2016 03:24:23 pm

Dear Maria

Doc's story touches my heart. I'm so glad he had the opportunity to study animals. He surely meant a lot to you and to many others by keeping your beloved pets disease-free and healthy, and, eventually, pain-free and comfortable during their last journey. I hope with all my heart that he will recover to such an extend that he will be able to continue with his work. I'm also so glad he had experiences true love via Sarah, and also true friendship via you, Geoff and others.

Hugs to you and Doc,

Martie

Reply
Maria link
8/28/2016 09:12:40 am

Thanks for this encompassing and supportive comment. You totally understand how special Doc is to us, dear Martie.

As of this writing, Doc's appetite is growing and so is his impatience - I take this as a hopeful sign. Love you, mar

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.

I hope he's on the mend. Something tells me he'll hang on until March 24th, when he can once again share his birthday with the love of his life.

Reply
Maria link
9/3/2016 09:17:07 am

Dear Sha,
You are right - Doc is one of a kind special...
And I share your hope that he continues to recuperate and hangs out with us as long as in the Master Plan.
Have a great Labor Day weekend. Love ya, mar

Reply
crazyhorseladycx
9/6/2016 02:38:15 am

howdy, ms. mar!

what a blessin' to've this fella'n yer life, not jest 's yer vet, but to 've become such dear friends. no doubt y'ave touched his life jest 's much, if'n not more, than he's touched yers.

so glad that he'd such a love, what a shame that she left this earth so soon. he might jest stay 'til his birthday, he sounds strong willed 'nough to do such.

yepperz, yer next vet 'tis gonna 've quite the time, i doubt one who could fill his shoes 'xists.

big hugs 'n love!

Reply
Maria link
9/6/2016 05:16:56 am

Dear Lady,
Thanks for such a supportive comment. They sure did break the mold with Doc.
Hope you're having a lovely September. Love and hugs, mar

Reply



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    marcoujor

    Something awaits us all.

    Know your possibilities.

    There is inspiration all around us--in those people and situations we encounter along life's way.

    Share your wonder with me as well.

    I treasure your comments.

    mar


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    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
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    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
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