Saturday, January 30, 2010

At the Foot Doctor's


It had been a long day already when we arrived at the foot doctor's for a small procedure in the late afternoon.  I was rather tired, and just wanted to sit and read my book while I waited for the Gardener. But I was very aware of my surroundings. I had never been to a foot doctor's waiting room before and was amazed at the variety of people that had something going on with their feet. I made particular note of all the feet coming and going.


A 70-something woman wheeled in her husband. He immediately lost himself in his news magazine while she registered at the window. She looked exhausted. I was thinking of her small size and how in the world she managed to care for him. A mother and sister brought in their son/brother, a 40 or so year old man with cerebral palsy. My, they had him in line. Turns out the mother, also in her 70s, had had recent knee surgery. 

But then the most amazing thing occurred. The door opened and it was as if a light filled the room. A beautiful woman in her 50s, well dressed with gorgeous shortly cropped silver hair, sailed into the room. She went right up to the office window and greeted everyone. Obviously she was a regular patient. She asked everyone intentionally about their Thanksgiving plans, and wished them all a happy holiday. I noticed she was wearing a long skirt with nice white sneakers. I looked again and noticed that she had a light limp. And then I looked again and realized she had a brace on one leg for support, and on the other---no leg at all, but an artificial, mechanical leg. 

She finally sat down and engaged the waiting mother-with-the-new-knee in conversation (remember, I had my nose in a book, but obviously wasn't terribly focused on my book.) She again asked all about Thanksgiving plans, down to the details of the menu and who would cook what. What an art she had  in conversation! Then the mother turned the talk around and asked the silver haired lady questions. "I can't help but notice you have only one leg, yet you are so happy. By watching you today, and how beautiful you are inside and out, I realize my problems are small, and how I need to count my blessings."

The silver haired lady replied in such a gracious manner, "Oh, I can handle this, because I am alive! I have had severe diabetes for years and needed a kidney replacement as dialysis did not work. Oh April Fool's Day some years ago I got a call at 2 am saying they had a kidney and a pancreas for me. My body accepted the transplant beautifully and all was well until I got a blood clot in my foot. They had to amputate my leg. But I could so easily have died. Losing a leg is nothing. And it is all the Lord. He got me through it, and HE gives me joy each day."

This silver haired beauty positively glowed. I felt like I was on holy ground. It was an experience I will never forget. At this Thanksgiving, though I may fret over some challenges in life, there is SO much to be thankful for.

Reposted from November 2008. See Chari's blog for more Sunday reposts.

10 comments:

  1. What a wonderful reminder! I am so glad you reposted this so I could enjoy it!!

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  2. Hello Ms.P...

    My friend, I just love all the posts that you've been sharing for Sunday Favorites lately...so very inspirational!!! I have really enjoyed each and every story! This post really just brings me to my knees! You know, the old saying about feeling down and out and thinking that you're the only one with problems...until...until you meet someone with greater challenges and yet they are so happy and full of such optimism!!! I truly believe that only the Lord can do this for us! Thank you so much for sharing this...I really needed to read this! I get to feeling so down about my physical ailments (fibromyalgia) but should be thankful...it could be much worse! Thank you, my dear lady...for sharing this wonderful story for Sunday Favorites this week!!!

    Warmest winter wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  3. What a beautiful post this is. Thank you for the reminder that so many of us need from time to time to be thankful for what we have in life. this woman was a true inspiration to others.

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  4. What a lovely story this is. It's so easy to lose ourselves in our own problems and not see the goodness all around us. I love your Jan Karon quote about mail. Her books were filled with blessings too. Have a great Sunday!
    Sherry

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  5. Lydia grace9:53 AM

    Perspective is a great teacher, isn't it? Lovely post. Thank you for your observant eyes..

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  6. Anonymous10:10 AM

    Wonderful story! My twin brother is like this. He fell 60 feet while mountain climbing in his 20's, broke his back, and the doctors said he'd never walk again or be able to have children.

    He started walking a year later, continued to drive a propane truck for a 25 years, has three grown children, and although he has to stop and rest from the pain, he never ever complains. He is the brother that helped us tip our trusses upright when we roofed our house. :)
    So yes, these angels are everywhere, and they remind us that there is a lot to be thankful for.
    Hugs!
    Zuzu

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  7. What a beautiful person she was. Great story that you told so well. I really enjoyed reading it and now feel guilty that I complain if I don't feel good or my back hurts.

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  8. I don't think we can ever get enough of stories like this.
    A bit of a pinch for those feeling sorry for themselves.

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  9. Love this story=I think you should write a book of these inspirational stories.
    Carolyn

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  10. What great perspective! Your breakfast table is beautiful...love the pink glass with the red toile...great combo!
    THANKS for the well-wishes on my etsy...
    Rene'

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I enjoy the conversations that come with comments!

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