In a hurry

If we are in a hurry, there are a lot of things we don't see. We run past people on the street, in the halls, in their rooms. Just like this guy, a noted researcher in a hurry.

Some people just don't move fast enough: they're slow. E. was one of those folks. He just meandered around in his wheelchair, sometimes numbed and slowed by his brain injury. Frankly, I was surprised when he wandered into my clinic a couple of weeks ago to ask some questions. It was something he rarely did, but he needed help.

A staff member at the nursing home told him he needed to be seen at the Hotel. So when I looked into things and checked his appointments, I saw, he was right. I sent a message to our clinic nurse down the way, Q. and he/she said they'd get him on the next clinic list. I escorted E. to make sure he wouldn't be distracted and forget. Our scheduler was waiting and put him right on the schedule.

E. was happy when I saw him last week. He got his appointment, and everything looked good. "Thank you." he said slowly. I smiled and told him, "Any time, E. Just come bang on my door (pointing at it) if you have to."

He smiled, his driving cap, turned jauntily to the side and rolled out to the home's bus, awaiting him outside.
That was the last time I saw him. Today we found out that E. was found dead in his room.

I always wonder when I'm in a hurry about what might happen if I slow down. As I reflect, I see it now. I just might catch a glimmer of a light that may never shine the same way again.

Take your time and remember those little moments. They could be the last.

More later...