Betty

I have been blessed with so many patient encounters over the years because of my vast skill set repertoire compiled from various regions and settings. You would think that I would forget many of them; however, thanks to a good memory, pictures and the fact that I save every thank you card and gift, I haven’t. One of my favorite attitude stories centers around Betty. Betty came to my office because of a traumatic leg wound that needed special wound care intervention. At that time, I had just started my plastic surgery practice and was in my early 30’s, and Betty was 88 years-old. She would come in weekly for healing evaluations dressed in her ironed tweed slacks and sensible button-down shirt. Small gold hair clips held back her curly, gray hair. She favored red lipstick and blush. Her best accessory was her smile and sense of humor delivered in a subtle, dry way. I looked forward to our weekly visits as we shared jokes about life, liberty and happiness. Well, the day came when Betty was healed. She necessitated no further visits. I looked at her and said, ” Betty, I really am sorry to say this but your healed, and I don’t need to see you any longer. I’m glad you’re healed but I’m going to miss you. I just want you to know that you are my hero. I want to be you when I grow up.” In her true-to-form Betty way, she looked me in the eye and said, “that’s great because I haven’t grown up yet.” We both had a great laugh and huge hug. That was almost 24 years-ago. And, to me, an ageless story. No matter how old you are, reader, or I should say how young, please remember how fast time goes by and it is up to you how you want to spend or perceive it. Please refer to prior blog that I had written during one of my hikes at Eaton Canyon (God Bless!) on intentionsofbeauty.wordpress.com. What I’m sharing seems so simple and basic, yet, people forget how a simple laugh can make you and your surroundings so much more pleasant. To Betty, my hero. One day we will grow up!!