A buddy of mine decided he was entering a 5K for a great cause. I cheered him on. “I am glad you are happy, because I signed you up as well,” he said.
“Huh?”
We then had a loud discussion about me not being able to run 5 minutes, let alone a 5K. He smiled. “We’ll walk it.”
I showed up the morning of the 5K and stood beside him. I was at my heaviest in a long time and it was hot. This was going to be ugly. The starting pistol cracked, and the participants started to leave me and my buddy behind within the first 20 yards. Older women passed us, and then a young woman pushing a baby carriage. That wasn’t so bad. It was when they looked back as they passed us, and told me to not give up. How bad did I look? I was humiliated. I turned a dirty look at the guy that got me into this.
“No worries my friend. I promise you that I won’t leave you. Can you walk faster?”
“NO!” (puff…puff…cough…puff)
“Okay, then this is as fast as we go,” He laughed.
And that is what we did. By the time we found the finish line they were starting to take down the t-shirt tents. My friend was there by my side until the end. That kind of support means the world to me.
I have heard Dr. Reikowski say that it is never good enough for our patients. Or, that there is nothing else to be done is wrong because there is always something to try. Patients have come to us with those kinds of stories. Stories of not being helped. Us not giving up on solutions is just like my buddy that stayed right by me even though he could go faster. He didn’t give up on me, and we won’t give up on our patients.
No worries.
How moving! How great that we have such wonderful doctors.
🙂
There’s always a way to help!
Amen to that Gail!
Such a nice share Dale! This had to be a great experience!
It was a great experience in ways, and challenging in others. But, through it all he was right beside me encouraging to keep going.
I love that Dale!