Lately life has handed me a few curve balls. As if studying for the MCAT was not tough enough, add in trouble with a teen and figuring out how to pay for the MCAT and Christmas at the same time. Top it off with Organic Chemistry Exams, Papers, and other coursework. I have been drowning myself in my own problems and it has hurt my focus a bit. Some perspective has been needed.
Generally I study at Chick-Fil-A once a week. Not sure why I go there; I could just as easily sit at home. I just find that there is a comfort in my booth that helps me focus. I get the best results from studying at Chick-Fil-A. This morning while I ordered my usually chicken breakfast burrito and split tea without ice, I could not help but eves drop on the booth behind me. (Blame it on the powers of the BAHA.) There sat a man with the owner. The man must have recently lost his wife. The owner graciously listened as he talked, and talked and talked. He didn't take a breath. I smiled to myself and thought about what it was like at the Butcher Shop. Talking to the older clients was the highlight of my time there. This gentleman aroused such an emotion in me as he talked about remembering all the things his wife said to him over the years. Not the romantic notions, but the things like "boil the potatoes 9 1/2 minutes to 10 minutes, that's all they need," or 'use the salt shaker over the sink" or "that's none of your business". He spoke with such affection and heart, that I could not help but be moved.
As I sat there listening, not getting much studying done, I could not help but think about my own relationship with my husband. I am sure I drive him crazy. Life with me is certainly not without its annoyances. I wonder if I pass first, if he will find himself talking about me the same way, remembering fondly the phrases he now considers nagging. Listening to this stranger has reminded me of my own immortality and that each day I must accomplish something worth being remembered. However that accomplishment may not be an award or a prize, but rather a relationship with another human being. After all, it is the relationships that we leave behind that keep our spirit alive. As the man wrapped up his conversation, he said that he caught himself laugh for the first time in a year. And that in that moment, he realized that he might be doing alright.
When I am a doctor that will be what I prescribe for my patients - Laughter, Lunch Dates, and Good Conversation. So the next time that you stop in for a delicious chicken sandwich, or to let your kids play inside of the gym, take a moment to listen to the people surrounding you. These are your neighbors, friends, or just folks passing by. You never know what life lesson you might learn.
