Moments Of Beauty

 

On a recent Friday my wife and I went to Brigham & Women’s Hospital for a follow up visit with my doc at the pulmonary clinic. Many of the patients are older and not always in great shape. While I was in line to check in at the waiting room, an older fellow eased his way in, moving slowly. Thin, casually dressed, good hat. He looked at me and I said, “Good morning, how are you today?” He smiled and we had a short conversation. He told me why he was there and I was amazed that that man is still alive. I said, “Well, it's not over, is it?” He replied, “I’ll never give up.” I was called in first and as I was leaving the waiting room he said, with a great smile, “Good luck to you buddy.” I said, “You too man.” I’ve noticed that guys like us know each other without knowing each other. B&W is a busy hospital. The halls are crowded with people, and then you see a guy and you know. There is eye contact, a nod or a word. It is such a wonderful moment. Good will between strangers, acknowledgement, a soul bump. I hope they feel it too.

As we left the hospital and navigated our way through the underground garage, we heard a man singing. Sabine recognized the melody and started to whistle. They harmonized their way through the song. Music is the universal language.