This is a true story that happened one busy day in the Emergency Dept where I am a nurse.

It was a busy morning, approximately 8:30 am, when an elderly gentleman, in his 80s, presented to have sutures removed from his thumb. He stated that 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 that it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch, and decided that as I was not busy with another patient I would evaluate his wound. On exam it was well healed, 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, 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 awhile 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 5 years now. I was surprised, and asked him. ”And you still go 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 had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought that is the kind of love I want in my life.
I have retold this story many times, and still get goose bumps when I tell it.

However, today as I was driving home from a visit with my sister, and pondering decisions that are forthcoming in my life the following prose came to me …as I realized that I do have that kind of love in my life ..and I would like to share it with you now..

Occasionally, you stumble and fall
Sometimes fall short of your goal
As you lose your way in the night
But don’t be frightened ..
I am your God
And you are forever in my sight