a couple weeks ago i headed to our local hospital to visit a friend suffering a set-back. she's calls me her m&m buddy (she has multiple myeloma)... and is my inspiration when it comes to pushing through all the stuff that comes with cancer. she's incredible.
anyway... i picked up a bunch of flowers on the way... and when i got to the hospital, i sought out the nice ladies at the info desk for my friend's room number. but as i approached with the bouquet... before i could ask my question... one of the two volunteers noticed the flowers and said, "oh! i didn't know you cared!"
to which i immediately responded, "i do... ...but not about you!"
my compassionate side really shines on some ocassions.
her friend sitting next to her burst out laughing and said something like... i guess he put you in your place.
they gave me the room number anyway... and i said thanks through my "i'm so clever" grin, then slid between the elevator doors.
after my visit, i slithered out from the same doors... snuck past the desk... and ducked into the gift shop where i found two lonely carnations.
returning to the info desk, one of the ladies had stepped away... so i lay both of flowers in front of the one elderly volunteer and said, "these are for you and your friend. G*D bless you."
of course she went nuts and thought i was the kindest sweetest man on the planet.
i wish she was right. unfortunately most days i'm way too stingy. just ask my family. and if the truth be told... i honestly cringed at spending that buck-twenty-five on one carnation... two-fifty for 2!
you'd think i'd have softened by now... and especially knowing that in a couple of days i'll be at the mercy of similar hospital staff & volunteers.
it's always so much fun to show kindness to others.
maybe i'm not hopeless just yet.
maybe.
"... not about you!"
Comedy genius. That's the type of thing I think of 20mins later. Maybe age will sharpen my wit!
Posted by: Tim Maynard | April 20, 2008 at 01:34 PM