For the fifth time this year, I find myself in a medical waiting. I guess that isn't completely accurate – one of those times involved multiple visits to the same waiting room. Two urgent care visits, an ER visit, ICU visits and now a diagnostic visit. It has been an unfortunate record this year given some of the outcomes. As I wait, Mister Mister plays softly in the background, "Take These Broken Wings" – is it a message? a prayer? I wait here with a collection of strangers; each waiting for their own outcome. From routine checkups to anxiety ridden surprises this little room has it all. There is no silence here; phone calls, insurance discussions, payment questions, responsible party inquiries, a coffee spill here or there, greetings and various other background noises. As I look around, I wonder at the story lines: all backgrounds, colors, creeds and perspectives collected right here before me. It is a drama played daily right there are your local ER, ICU, Mammography Center, Cancer Center, __________ you insert the place. Despite all of our differences, we all end up here at some point. As predictable as "death and taxes", we all become patients of one sort or another. The fact that we sit here on December 31, 2009 only adds an introspective, philosophical element to the whole story. I wonder how many of these people before me will walk out of here with life-altering discoveries. Will I?
Well, time to count blessings. I wish you all a very Happy New Year and the best of health. See you in the waiting room.
