Yesterday, I found myself in a space that is physically and emotionally unlike any other place that I've been. My husband had an appointment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. While we received no definitive answers to my husband's current health challenges, certain diseases and disorders were ruled out. Knowing that the problems are not yet solved, I was feeling relieved and blessed at that moment nevertheless.
It was a long day. Steve had to check in to the Tricare office early in the morning, and then we had to wait several hours for his actual appointment. There could not have been a more perfect day to "hurry up and wait." An April heat wave smiled upon the nation's capital. Washington's famed cherry trees were in full, exuberant blossom, and we enjoyed coffee and one another's presence on the front lawn of WRAMC. We were not alone .. there was a young couple soaking up the sun as well. They would have been completely unremarkable, save that the young man was in a wheelchair. Both of his legs were gone.
Eventually, it was time to go back inside. As we approached the main entrance of the hospital, a tall and distinctive figure caught my eye. He was impeccably dressed in a navy suit, despite the unseasonable warm 87F temperature. He was speaking with the young couple. It was clear that he was giving them his undivided attention. He seemed to be genuinely "in the moment" as he posed for photographs with the couple. His sharp military bearing was undiminished by a paralyzed right arm.
The distinguished older gentleman was Bob Dole. He is a regular visitor to WRAMC.
I pray that we never meet him.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment