There are patients and then, there are patients you can't forget.

It has been my privilege to care for 2 such patients of mine over the past
several years.  This week, I learned again, what an impact illness can have on
a family and the lives around the person who is ill.  I also re-learned how
it looks to pass through chronic illness with grace and humor.

One of the patients is the mom.  Let's call her A.

The other patient is the daughter.  Let's call her B.

B was run over by a car when she was a young child and survived, albeit with
a number of problems, including loss of proper use of her legs, significant
brain damage, and visual problems.  She has been well cared for.  She lives
alone as an adult with her mom living right next door, available for any issues.
B is now middle aged.

B loves cats of all shapes and sizes and has a great sense of humor.  A couple
of months ago, she was confronted by a delivery man while taking her morning
walk in the neighborhood.  "Do you like what you see?" he said as he dropped
his pants and underwear in broad daylight.

She describes looking at his groin, then looking him in the eye and saying
"NO!" as she walked away.  She thought it was really hilarious that he thought
she might fall to his wiles.  He's now in jail...............

Over the past several months, it has become apparent that something is going
wrong.  After sub-specialty consultations and testing, it appears B has a
cerebellum that is shrinking significantly.  The implications are not good.
There is no treatment.

A, her mom, is now making arrangements to find ways to spend more
quality time with B while she still can.  They are two of the most jovial and
centered individuals that I see despite the illness that has challenged them
They never enter nor leave the office with anything other than an upbeat
attitude.

The last visit brought howls of appreciation from B because my nurse was
wearing a Scooby Doo shirt.  B loves Scooby Doo.  We thought we might
have to have the nurse give up the shirt for a minute there.........

What I appreciate most about these two very special people, is their close
bond and their respect for each other.  They are practical and they keep moving
forward.  "There is nothing better to do!" is the attitude.  And this in the face
of tragedy and challenge.

There are those who deserve a "tip of the hat", a standing ovation, a statue
of some kind to commemorate their lives. 

A and B will always have my gratitude and respect for their example and their
ongoing and daily laughter.  After all, the tears can fall another time.