Gift from a Patient

Coming into the office several days ago, I saw three containers filled to the brim with beautifully colorful fresh vegetables, with a single rose on top. Large red tomatoes and small cherry ones were there, along with huge green cucumbers, several halopinio peppers, and many green peppers, as well. One of my patients had brought the bounty from her own garden. I was taken a back with surprise and joy. I didn't remember receiving such a nice gift, and so personal, from anyone before, let a lone a patient. So that evening I went home with one of the basket, itching to make a salad for dinner. Calling my wife to join me, I sliced the vegetables, added olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and some black pepper, and mixed it all. I put some pita bread in the toaster, took out the jar of Greek black Kalamata olives from the frig, and feasted on the site. My wife arranged the table, and we sat down with some hot mango-orange tea to wash it all down. Eating the salad was a real treat, but even more so, because it came as a gift from a patient. Seeing patients in the past, I thought to myself, was based on similar circumstances. It was bartering health care for items which were important for self sustaining in a difficult environment. Doctors were part of society then. They did not stand out particularly, but rather melted with the rest of society. Not so today! Doctors today have a sense of entitlement. They consider themselves above the fray. They demand a better financial present for themselves and for their families, and they expect a better future as well. But that is currently not available. Consequently, doctors are leaving their profession to seek better opportunities elsewhere. Those of us who are left behind are the ones that possibly could appreciate a gift of vegetables. We, despite our ambitious wives, are ready to settle for a bushel of vegetables. We appreciate the interchange. We never intended to become rich from medicine in the first place! We just wanted an interesting profession, with some gratification to go along. And that, we got! So as long as the vegetables are coming, count me in!