Reality check— Doctors die too! April 17, 2008

 

I guess it could be that we don’t think of our primary care physician as human…for a lack of better terms. 

When making an appointment to see your doctor to make sure everything’s all right with yourself can have a “ruffling” affect to hear the receptionist respond, “I regret to inform you that Dr. B died last week.”  This was my experience today.

 

Of course, my response was a startling exclamation, “Oh my God…”   Needless to say, how the explosion of thoughts and questions sent me running for cover to regain my emotional security.  But I knew she wouldn’t give any details, so I didn’t probe.  Maybe I should have… oh well.

I really liked Dr. B.  I’d been going to him for over 10 years; and had recently switched my 17-year old son from his pediatrician to him.  Upon his first visit, even he liked Dr. B.  He was always so personable, caring, thoughtful and concerned about his patients.  I guess I didn’t face the reality that doctors have health challenges too.  He was not immune even though he provided health care and advice to others.

The truth that slapped me in face is this:  No one is immune to death, even those who try to help you to prolong life.  There is no cure for death; perhaps sickness and diseases. But we all must die!   The only thing we can do is enjoy each day as a gift from God.  And when the sun sets on any given day, hopefully, we will have lived in such a way that the gift can be exchanged for an eternal inheritance received through faith in Jesus Christ.  

 

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