Thursday, January 26, 2012

True Love

It was a busy morning, about 8:30, when an elderly gentleman in his 80's arrived to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said 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 it would be over an hour before someone would to able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since 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, I asked him if he had another 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 inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five 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."

True love is neither physical, nor romantic.
True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be.

*Thanks Aunt B. for sharing this great email!

27 comments:

  1. I am just about to leave for work..and have tears.That IS true love..what a sweet story:) I have lily of the valley in a little pin on my blouse this morning because it reminds me of my mom:)~
    Have a wonderful day.The photo is perfect.
    Monique

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  2. Where's the tissues? An absolutely beautiful story.

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  3. Since my mom died of complications related to late stage Alzheimer's I am so crying right now. What a lovely story. I miss her so much.

    The Raggedy Girl

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  4. I think your story will affect many people. Would that all have such an understanding of love and devotion. Thank you for sharing it with us. Have a wonderful day.

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  5. I have gotten that story a few times in the past in e-mails. It is so nice. Sad though.

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  6. What a sad but beautiful story! I'm afraid of this desease.Bye from your Italian blogfriend.

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  7. WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY. Hope you dont mind if I post it on my blog.. I think everyone should read it..
    karla

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  8. This has been shared for a few years, but it continues to move me each time I read it. We went thru this exact situation with my FIL ... it was heart breaking but he never missed a meal with my MIL, until the nursing home refused to allow him to come on a daily basis. I was furious, he loved Ma so ... he needed this for the both of them. Love without bridges or expectations, just simple honest love.

    TTFN ~ Marydon

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  9. I love that about true love at the end. It's not all romance, that's for sure. It's about being there when times are tough. I admire this gentleman so much.
    Brenda

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  10. How lovely. True love. If you have one person in your life that is devoted to you like that...then you have everything.

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  11. This beautiful post truly touched my heart. Thank you so much. Blessings to you.

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  12. How good...
    He had real love in his heart ,no matter her state of mind... The world needs a lot more like him.. Elsie <><

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  13. Your post warmed my heart! Not sadness!! True Love!!!I am very sentimental:) It's a beautiful story! Thank you.

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  14. I sure didn't mean to make anyone have to re-live the struggles of dealing with Alzheimers. My Mom has dementia/Alzheimers and her memory is greatly affected now, but thank God she still knows us. The story came in an email from Aunt B and was so touching I just wanted to share.
    joy c. at grannymountain
    *Karla-Feel free to pass this along in your blog.

    Roberta-I hope this wasn't too painful for you sweetie. I know how hard it is when you see them slipping away.

    Marydon-It always amazes me that so many families are touched with this terrible disease anymore.

    Thank you all for your comments.

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  15. Such a touching love story.

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  16. A breathtaking post.

    I'm new here, and so am not familiar with Aunt B. But she must be a gem. And you're lucky to know her. But I'm sure, you know that.

    Aunt Amelia

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  17. The sweetest thing I've read today.

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  18. You had me with the picture at the top - those older hands so beautiful.

    The story made me cry. That is definately true love.

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  19. What a wonderful story. With a 91 year-old Mom that's starting to slip away and working with dementia patients, this story hits home. I too would like to use it on my blog,if you don't mind.

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  20. This is a truly beautiful and touching story. Thank you for sharing it this morning. Perfect for Valentine's Day.

    Happy Valentine's Day, Joycee!

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  21. Oh my goodness, that is the sweetest sad story. Thank you for visiting my Happy At Home blog today. Happy Valentine's Day ♥

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  22. What an incredibly sweet story for Valentines. I am so happy you stopped by my blog... so I could find yours!!! Happy Valentine's Day!

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  23. I think that was a scene from the Notebook by N. Sparks. A true, but tragic love story.

    Happy Valentine's Day ♥ Sandie

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  24. Joycee, what a beauitful, heartfelt story. I may have to borrow this one to share with my family and friends if you don't mind. Thanks for your visit to my blog and I so look forward to spending time with you on yours!

    Colleen

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  25. ~my heart is aching...tears are dripping from my eyes...how beautiful one man can be...thank you so for sharing~

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  26. I am sooo touched! He is such a loving man.

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  27. And who ever said there was no forever love.....

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