I had a lovely encounter with my 78y old patient the other day. It was a winter day and at the end of his steep driveway his truck got stuck and the engine failed. He needed a tow. This is the story he narrated to me.

 

After the tow truck driver ( TTD) had finished loading up the car to be taken to the garage he engaged my patient in a chat.

 

TTD “ Do you want a ride up the hill?”

 

Patient “ No I can walk back up”

 

TTD “ It is pretty steep you sure?”

 

Patient: “I will be fine “

 

TTD ( laughing) “ Your cardiologist told you to do that?”

 

Patient : “ No, I do it so he never has to”

 

“ Doc, you got me to exercise daily and walk a while back, so now I do not have to take rides up the hill, I can walk it myself” he told me.

 

“ You did awesome , I am so proud of you. It is when we become self motivated to exercise then we have the ability to do anything for ourselves” I said, holding back the tears.

 

I realized that my inspiration is to teach people healthy habits to make a difference in their lives. To be able to become self empowered enough to be healthy and not have to seek out or be dependent on pharmaceuticals or health care. It is liberating. I was seeing him for an annual checkup. He has been doing well for several years as we pull back on his medications and he increases nourishing eating and regular exercise habits.

 

The reward is in seeing an inspiration come true, one person, one patient at a time.

…………

I love you