True Love

[kh23172]

Hi guys!

I just checked my e-mail and my mother had forwarded this to me, from her mother, and I thought that I would share it with you. It's very short and simple, but still makes a point.


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.'

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,

'That is the kind of love I want in my life.'

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

With all the jokes and fun that are in e-mails, sometimes there is one that comes along that has an important message. This one I thought I could share with you.

The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did.

'Life isn't about
how to survive the storm,
but how to dance in the rain.'

[Bunny]

Aw, that's so sweet. <3

Awwww... It gives me the warm fuzzies.

Alzheimer's is a terrible disease though.

[Bunny]

Originally Posted by Drizzt DoUrden

Awwww... It gives me the warm fuzzies.

Alzheimer's is a terrible disease though.

So far I've lost two grandmas to Alzheimer's, and another is currently suffering from it. It sucks.

[kh23172]

Yea, Alzheimer's is terrible. My great grandmother suffers from it currently.

Originally Posted by lyingfigure

So far I've lost two grandmas to Alzheimer's, and another is currently suffering from it. It sucks.

I'm sorry. My grandma has it, I think, or something very similar. Her mind goes in circles. I hate it.

Originally Posted by Drizzt DoUrden

Awwww... It gives me the warm fuzzies.

Alzheimer's is a terrible disease though.

I second that!
my grandma had a stroke and is losing her memory as well. it could develop.

to those suffering or know of those suffering from alzheimer's. may we find a cure soon and in the meantime stand together!

[Poring]

omfg, I just love the last line.. touching story... :')

[ricoca]

awww
*sobs*

[Kimi]

Originally Posted by Drizzt DoUrden

Awwww... It gives me the warm fuzzies.

Alzheimer's is a terrible disease though.

I know!!!! I feel soooo warm now

Thanks for sharing!

[ArcusPuer]

oh i wish for that kinda love someday...

[Nixon]

Fuvk they said that gay thing at prayer service a weak ago

Originally Posted by Poring

omfg, I just love the last line.. touching story... :')

Me too... especially since I actually enjoy both storms and dancing in the rain.

[Daniel]

Well I just burst into tears.

[Fiorino]

So cute, but so unfair too.
(So unfair that that had to
happen to them. I hope that
we find a cure soon)

[BeautifulStranger]

I think my mom either has early on-set Alzheimers
I know I'm only 16, but my parents got a late start in life, so she had me when she was 36.

It scares me to death to think that one day she might not know who I am.
I had always just thought she was forgetful (she'd ask me the same question after I just answered it 5 minutes ago), until the thought of Alzheimers crossed my mind.

And then one day...
Mom: Tyler, have you fed the cats?
Me: Yep
-5 minutes later, I clocked it-
Mom: Tyler, have you fed the cats?

I burst into hysterical tears and I didn't have the heart to tell her why.
I think she has the same thoughts as me, because we'll get into arguments when she asks me the same question 50 times. She starts crying and between her tears she says: I can't remember anything anymore and it's scaring me to death

[EM68]

Originally Posted by Wonderwall

I think my mom either has early on-set Alzheimers
I know I'm only 16, but my parents got a late start in life, so she had me when she was 36.

It scares me to death to think that one day she might not know who I am.
I had always just thought she was forgetful (she'd ask me the same question after I just answered it 5 minutes ago), until the thought of Alzheimers crossed my mind.

And then one day...
Mom: Tyler, have you fed the cats?
Me: Yep
-5 minutes later, I clocked it-
Mom: Tyler, have you fed the cats?

I burst into hysterical tears and I didn't have the heart to tell her why.
I think she has the same thoughts as me, because we'll get into arguments when she asks me the same question 50 times. She starts crying and between her tears she says: I can't remember anything anymore and it's scaring me to death

I am sorry to hear that. Has she seen a doctor? There is now medication out there that can slow down the progression of Alzheimer's.

[BeautifulStranger]

Originally Posted by EM68

I am sorry to hear that. Has she seen a doctor? There is now medication out there that can slow down the progression of Alzheimer's.

I don't know
It hasn't impaired daily life.
Besides, it's just my thought. I really don't know if she has it or not. I honestly hope she's just incredibly forgetful.

[kh23172]

Originally Posted by Wonderwall

I don't know
It hasn't impaired daily life.
Besides, it's just my thought. I really don't know if she has it or not. I honestly hope she's just incredibly forgetful.

wow.. that's so unfortunate. I think that you should tell your mom your thoughts.. and see where it goes from there. knowing is half the battle.. really.

[thespanishheart]

Now THAT is true love.

Sorry to hear about mom by the way