Just moments to connect

Sarcoidosis. That is what it is. Especially all over his lungs. Another doctor will look at him in two weeks. Symptoms continue to overwhelm his well being. Shortness of breath, fatigue, depression/hopelessness, and pain.

And it does not help when he is told he will have little visitors and they don't show up. Excuses seemed weak and he feels neglected. He was excited and looked forward to a lively visit. He had plans to entertain and enjoy their time together.  He waited patiently all day until, finally, was told they would not come. Maybe another day. Makes me sad. He works very hard to keep those connections strong. Seems to be non-reciprocal. Dale thrives on visits, socializations, and people connections. I can't imagine what he must feel as he is alone daily as I go off to work and he can't do much of anything.

Makes me realize that people, everywhere, need connections. The elderly, the feeble, the lonely, the alone. Take time to be with others, even if it interferes with your day. People you know are worth it. You are worth the connection.

I need to work on this myself.

Personal visits are the best, but phone calls or handwritten letters/notes are also nice. It takes but a moment to connect. But especially, show up when you say you are going to show up.

They call me Doctor

Dale has good days and not so good days. Yesterday was not a good day. His timing is usually bad for my world. I was ready to drive the two hours on my own so I could defend my dissertation today without him. Kind of a big deal for me and he had a lousy day that could have prevented him coming.   Sometimes I feel that he carries the worries of life within his health conditions and sabotages my progress. Probably not true, but seems that way sometimes...

He did well today with health conditions and we enjoyed the analytical discussion of the dissertation. About three clarifying paragraphs and its done.

They call me Doctor.

Well done, in spite of all the distractions Dale has given me over the past several years.

It was a memorable experience. The study brought some passionate self-reflections from each of the committee members. Exactly what it was supposed to do. They did not ask question about my methods or research, they commented on their experiences, practices, and beliefs and its impact on others.

Good Job!