Mission: In a world where you can be anything, be kind. (Jennifer Dukes Lee)
As we go through life, we realize the simple things that create joy in others’ lives. It’s simple and fulfilling. I was in a supermarket. An elderly woman was telling me about her occupation before retiring. She shared how much she enjoyed her job working at Strawbridge & Clothier. I remembered the big chain store and its Clover Day and the great sales.
She told me that her daughter rushes her whenever she takes her to run errands. I noticed that she was dressed impeccably, as if she were still working. I smiled and admired her gift of painting her life for me. She smiled at me because I was genuinely listening. I helped her pick out some fruit, and we said our goodbyes. You can’t put a price on things like this. My mission is to make more connections. ❤️
In times of tragedy, I found solace in helping others and taking each day as it comes. The journey may be arduous, but I persevered, holding onto hope that tomorrow would bring a brighter day.
After work, I had some errands to run and my 1st stop was CVS to pick up my medication. I saw the cutest elderly woman, she was walking with a cane. I asked her to go in front of me and she asked if she could sit so I could call her when it was her turn. I called out to her to let her know that she was next. She struggled with her cane and I felt so bad for her I told her to lean on the cart so that she was balanced. She thanked me and told me that she buried her 2 daughters.
I told her it was my mother’s birthday, how much I missed her, and that I had 3 consecutive dreams. She said well maybe she’s trying to tell you something and I said well I’m tired because she is wearing me out. We laughed together. As we age society treats it as a loss of worth. Listening shows interest, caring, and understanding.
Those who respect the elderly pave their own road toward success.” -Unknown
My doctor calls me Buddy, when he calls it’s from a blocked number but I know it’s him. “Hey Buddy, I need a favor. “I have a patient with 30% kidney function requesting to speak with another patient about their experiences with dialysis and transplant. Could you speak with him about the modes of dialysis? He’s a doctor and he’s really nervous. I always think it’s better coming from someone who’s been through it”. I will always do this for anyone, I know what it’s like to receive a diagnosis of renal failure and all that comes along with it.
I called and addressed him by his title and told him who I was. He stated that it was fine to be on a first-name basis. He asked about my experiences with dialysis, specifically the time it takes, different modes, and transplants. We spoke for 30-45 minutes and he asked if I was married. I said yes, he asked if my husband would mind if we spoke from time to time and I replied no he would not mind. Then he said, “Would you mind checking on me every once in a while? I’m married but my wife is having medical issues. I’ll need a caretaker and this may be too much for her, my son will be moving back to help me. He is doubtful about his eligibility for a transplant because he is 75. I advised him to make 2 appointments for listing, one in his state and the other out of state at a major hospital with the rate of success with renal transplants.
Age can be a factor to be a candidate for transplant. Other factors include the length of time on dialysis, and other comorbidities (cancer, obesity, infection, obesity, smoking). It’s always best to speak with your nephrology team.
“At the end, it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” Denzel Washington
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