Double Dose of Inspiration

 

Today was a day of inspiration from two patients. Both I was meeting for the first time.

First one was a visually impaired man who lost his eyesight five years back due to the involvement of the retina from uncontrolled diabetes. He was originally from Mexico, divorced 5 years back , had 3 grown children. He used to live in the Los Angeles area before he moved to Bakersfield. Ex wife and kids still lived in Los Angeles suburbs. I asked him what made him move here. I was surprised to hear that he moved so he could be away from his family. Usually people move to be closer to family. Why did he want to be away from his kids ? He told me he wanted them to live their lives and not be tied down to take care of him. He wanted to be independent himself. Losing vision was not enough reason for him to become dependent on others. When I enquired whether he works, in an instant he pulled out his business card from the pocket and handed it to me. Proudly he shared that he owns a flooring business. He stopped laying out the flooring himself after he lost his eyesight but his employees carry on the work. This man’s will was definitely not ordinary. I had to make a note of him in my brain. One doesn’t meet such people frequently.

Within a short time after the man left I walked in to see another patient who I had only once spoken over the phone a couple of years back while still in the pandemic. Today was the first time we came face to face. He was a 78 year old African American gentleman who was a war veteran. He received his care at the VA clinic but was seeing an orthopedic surgeon at my workplace for a shoulder problem. Three years back I had made a note that he worked for the city bus service. Today I asked if he still works at the same place. He affirmed with a yes. However added that he plans to retire in a few months despite enjoying his work and being in good health. Turns out his grandson works in the same department and cannot get to a higher position unless this man retires. So at age 78 the only reason for the man to step down is to make a sacrifice for his grandson!! As I took leave of him I couldn’t help telling him more than once how much of an inspiration he is for me and people younger than him to keep working and loving the work they do. 

Needless to say these men made my day. 

Saree today was a thick cotton weave from Northern Karnataka. A Hubli Saree in black with Ganga Jamuna borders in red and yellow. These sarees have pallus at both ends making them highly versatile. Paired it today with a black Khun blouse also from northern Karnataka.