Filed under: Friends
My doctor and her nurse are both people who could teach that other nurse and would do so gently; they’re not in today, so I’ll call them again tomorrow. You all of course are right, I do need to speak up.
I woke up this morning rather in need of being cheered up, and it turned out the UPS man had already arrived bright and early: delivering chocolate. Lake Champlain chocolate, and I already knew how good it was because I’d been to their factory store near my daughter’s home in Vermont in November. Wow. Thank you, Amy! And such timing. Much appreciated.
Sam and I went off on an errand and came home to a shawl from Nancy, hanging on my doorknob, for me to gift to one of the people who’d kept me here.
I have just the person in mind. And I have nothing of my own ready to offer her. This is perfect, as are the colors.
Yesterday, while we were at the clinic, I saw a familiar face, someone who was also on their way to an appointment: it was one of the gastroenterologists who’d treated me in the hospital. We both did a double-take and then our faces lit up in delight just before I stepped onto an elevator. When my appointment was over, there she was again at the pharmacy with her husband.
And she was clearly in great pain. Having a hard time standing. He was supporting her and helping her and most of the time she sat while he dealt with the pharmacist. My heart went out to her; I reached into my purse, found the most perfect finger puppet–a bright, handknit, multicolored toucan bird–and Sam took it over to her for me.
Her face lit up, and she asked from across the room (there was a kid coughing near her, so I didn’t want to get closer) whether I’d made it? I told her I get them from a women’s cooperative in Peru.
Cool! She loved it, and it was fun to see her face brighten.
Her husband waved goodbye when they left, while I was wishing there were more I could do.
And now, thanks to Nancy, there is. Healing wishes from a person she knows and one she doesn’t, very representative of what I have received, now to be passed along to her. Perfect.
And then! The mail came. With a box I was not expecting. From Lene. That red box at the base of the flowers has on top of it a bar of handmade soap with a musical score imprinted in it. Sam laughed as I squinted hard at it and tapped it out on the piano; whoever chose the music chose well, and I’m struggling to remember the name of the tune or where I heard it or played it before.
Wow. Thank you, everyone! I’m pretty blown away. And I can’t wait to pass that feeling along to that doctor!
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What a great idea. The shawl will be perfect and she will treasure it.
Comment by Sherry in Idaho 02.26.09 @ 5:11 pmAllyson, You may be the most caring thoughtful person that I know. I want to try and deal with folks in the incredible way that you do . RE the ear wax removal.. I always go to the ENT because I’ve had some horrid experiences in the GP’s office. Take care of yourself!
Comment by debra 02.26.09 @ 5:15 pmYou’re very welcome. And unfortunately, I have no idea what song it is. Let me know if it drives you batty. 😉
Comment by Lene 02.26.09 @ 5:46 pmHow thoughtful of you to gift the beautiful shawl. You inspire me! Enjoy your chocolates.
Comment by TripletMom 02.26.09 @ 7:05 pmThe shawl is beautiful. Enjoy the chocolates. I must take that chocolate tour at Lake Champlain Chocolates. I drove right by there the other day but it was too late in the day to stop.
Comment by Joansie 02.27.09 @ 6:06 amEnjoy the chocolates. I’m positive the shawl will be enjoyed too.
Comment by Channon 02.27.09 @ 6:45 amI carry the yellow duck finger puppet you tossed at me in my purse. Sometimes it’s a healing balm when I need one, sometimes it just makes me smile and remember the concert in Baltimore. 🙂
Continue feeling better!
Comment by Deb in CT 02.27.09 @ 8:06 amWhat an absolutely gorgeous amaryllis! That must brighten your day! And, how neat you had a finger puppet to give the lady in need of a cheering moment. When I was at my worst, a friend sent a card with a really cute kitten on the front…and I had that card displayed for…years – it meant so much just to have someone thinking of me – I’m sure that little finger puppet will hold a place of honor and be a tender memory for the rest of this lady’s life – and you brightened the day for her husband too – by brightening the day for her!
Hope you and Richard are both feeling better today,
Abby
Wow, the shawl is a work of art! Is it a complete circle? Very nifty.
Droolin’…I. love. chocolate. 🙂
Comment by Toni Smoky-Mountains 02.27.09 @ 8:08 amFor one who has been through so much, you are the most caring person I’ve ever met (perhaps outside of my wife). But you seem to have lots of caring friends and family.
How about a bit of humor:
A trucker came into a truck stop cafe and placed his order.  He said, “I want three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards.†The brand new waitress, not wanting to appear stupid, went to the kitchen and said to the cook, “This guy out there just ordered three flat tires, a pair of headlights and a pair of running boards.
What does he think this place is, an auto parts store?†“No,†the cook said. “Three flat tires mean three pancakes, a pair of headlights is two eggs sunny side up, and running boards are two slices of crisp bacon.â€
“Oh, OK!’ said the waitress. She thought about it for a moment and then spooned up a bowl of beans and gave it to the customer.
The trucker asked, “What are the beans for?†She replied, “I thought while you were waiting for the flat tires, headlights and running boards, you might as well gas up!â€
Comment by Don Meyer 02.27.09 @ 10:18 amAlison, for someone who has lost much of her hearing ability, you have been blessed to “hear” with your heart!
Comment by Rena 02.27.09 @ 11:02 amLeave a comment
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