We had a patient today who was in her late 80s and had several medical problems. She had lost her right leg to an infection, recently broke her left hip (her daughter broke it when she was trying to bathe her) and is completely immobile. On top of several chronic illnesses. Despite all of these hardships she came into the office and was smiling and happy and in just wonderful spirits. It is nice to see people enjoying life rather than dwelling solely on the negative things.
Not only was the patient just lovely, her family was even better. This poor lady could have just been dumped in a Nursing Home and her family could not even had to visit her or take care of her. But instead this family is doing everything in their power to take care of their mother and keep her at home. They do everything for her and are as happy as can be. They dont complain, they dont bitch and they dont ask why me. They know that this is their mother and they are going to take care of her the way that she took care of them when they were young and there is just not another option.
The whole point to this rambling nonsense, is that often we forget how much our family, especially our parents, do for us. This family was a perfect example of how we should treat our parents when they need us the most, but sadly this often is not the case. Parents sacrifice everything for their kids and often the kids "forget" this piece of information. The least we could do for our parents is take care of them like they do unselfishly took care of us for 18 years of our life (or in my case 25 years....haha).
I often take my family for granted (never intentionally), when I should be thanking them for all they have done for me and my brother. Like many, I feel I have the greatest parents in the world and do not know what I would do without them! They would do anything for me and I do not tell them often enough how much I appreciate them. I wouldnt be half the person I am today if it wasnt for my incredible parents and family.
Often, we (I) take for granted the things that are most important in life......family. This patient and her family were a perfect reminder as to what really matters.