It's hard to believe that it has been nearly ten years since Mr. K saved my daughter's life...she was only eight at the time and had been sick with a cold/stomach flu for a couple of days. But the morning I woke up and found her on the floor in her bedroom with a fever higher than I could ever imagine, glassy eyed, and in tremendous pain I took her right to the doctor. Mr. K took one look at her and said, "Appendicitis." Even before he examined her he knew - and he was right - and if he had not gotten her next door to the surgeon and then scheduled for emergency surgery at the hospital right then we would have lost her.
At that point in my life, as well as today, I thank God for Mr. K and his quick reaction, insight, humility and grace.
Two years later my Mom was dying from lung cancer. Again, Mr. K was a great strength and helped me through her illness, her passing, my grief, and my return to strength. His words were always kind and hopeful; he was always full of humor and faith. God, I am so glad you allowed him to be in our lives during those two horrific times to help lighten our load.
When I saw his obituary in our local paper yesterday I was stunned and saddened. Yes, I knew he had been ill for years but still the reality of his passing his family and friends must be feeling now is, I am sure, indescribable.
Anyone, and everyone, who's life was ever touched by this man's was blessed. I am sure he is at peace now, but that he is still finding a way to bring smiles where tears were, and that he'll never be far from those he cared about and who loved him.
I found this quote, and I believe it sums up Mr. K's style and grace... "We sometimes meet an original gentleman, who, if manners had not existed, would have invented them." Author: Ralph Waldo Emerson
2 comments:
Peggi...What a beautiful tribute. I felt your love and pain throughout every word. It is such a blessing to find a doctor that is truly interested in a person's well-being. I am not sure if the wake is local for you, but if so, I would recommend going and letting his family know just how much Mr.K meant to you. One of the main things that I remember from my father's passing in January was the heart-warming stories from his employees of years past and the true admiration that they held for my father (even though he was their boss). It was a big comfort to me, and I'm sure it would be a big comfort to Mr.K's family.
What a story.Amazing to find someone like that in your life! At least write this piece to his family if not go yourself.
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