learning from my patients..

good things happen to good ppl and i am glad that you have met someone great like her. it's amazing how ppl even with utter sickness can actually live life so gracefully and productively!! and look at me, healthy and with all parts fine, living a life of futility!! i have all my love and thoughtfulness for someone like her, who has been inspiring others. i really appreciate your thoughfulness aswell. its kind of mutual learning process. thanx for sharing. thanx for elevating us. God bless you two and all.

What a wonderful doctor you must be! I don't suppose yo might want to move your practice to Ireland, do you? Not that I am a doctor, but I had a Grandpa Bill, who was in fact no way related to me. He and his wife were neighbours I foisted myself on when I was four years old, and they and my parents became friends. Eventually, they became like part of the family, and I spent a lot of time with them when I was young. Gradpa Bill had had a stoke and had his leg amputated at the knee. He had an artficial leg but for whatever reason wouldn't use it and it was the same with his chair, he very, very rarely went outside of the house and often stayed in his recliner. It didn't stop him from being a better grandfather than my able bodied grandfather. HIs mind was so alive, and he was full of stories (he told me the leg was bitten off by a lion). He had a huge impacts on how I view the world and I am so grateful to have known him.

Yep, that is so true. You always learn alot from people that are around you. I think that is always a good think in my book.

I work with adults that are developmentally disabled, it is amazing how much I they have added to my life, a few are verbal and high functioning, but for the most part, they are non-verbal and are severely mentally disabled. But each of them has been able to add to my life, one man is non-verbal and needs assistance to do the simplest things, yet he is happy, no matter where he does or what he is doing. He has shown me that I can find happiness all of the time Another one, who is a bit more functioning is just amazing, this man loves to fold laundry and empty the dishwasher. He can set the table and make a nice salad. And he takes such great pride in doing these tasks. He has taught me to take pride in everything I do, no matter how simple or small. Another man, is not a happy man, but he does have a simple vocabulary and when he wants something, he will ask for it and ask for it. He has shown me that being persistent will help me get things done. My list of wonderful DD people that I know is much longer, but I think it shows that we can learn from anyone, no matter their capabilities or limitations.

My dearest Maribea, you gave her as great a gift as she gave you; these unfortunate people who are confined to the bed or house because of their state of health are grateful that someone as sensible and educated as you spend time with them to speak but more importantly listen. Elder folks have so much to say, so much to pass on but often they don;t have anyone who will take the time and listen - so, yes, you did get enriched by her knowledge and grace but you too have contributed and made her day. Often, these type of people (which sadly are at every step if we take the time to notice) make you realize how lucky you are to simply be able to walk, talk and go about doing normal, trivial things that we take for granted everyday... Best wishes, Magdalena

It is amazing what you can learn when you just take the time to observe and listen to people. It takes a good person to be able to be around people that's body it failing them and still see the beauty of their mind. It must be a rich experience to learn about her and her life. Congratulations on having the gift of others and giving the gift of yourself.

So often people forget that even though a person's life is nearing its end, that it doesn't mean that they have little or nothing to offer. Giving our time to listen, talk, or just hold the hand of a person is worth its weight in gold.

This is the simple different between doctors in Europe and doctors in USA...in here you can see doctor for 5 seconds, because nurse is taking care for everything... I wish I will never be sick, but if I am, I am going to fly to Rome...and see the real doctor... You are the best my friend...

Isn't it amazing that we start to help people, and they end up helping us? It truly is a blessed gift.

You embody the essence of the "caring profession" which is called "Doctor." Your "little life" has more meaning than you will ever know -- on this plane of existence, anyway. May you receive many more gifts like this!!!

Hi, maribea, I am really glad to learn from your discussion you are a Doctor. I am really happy that one of mylot friends is a Doctor. What you have expressed in your discussion is something I feel happy to read. Great Doctor, keep it up. Thanks