Empathy and sympathy, will be the death of me
Last night I was dispatched to a health and welfare check along with an ambulance. An almost 90 year old man had been placed on an emergency committal by his doctor because of his severe dementia.
Bob had outlived his wife. His kids were grown and moved away. Bob's mind was slipping more and more each day according to his doctor, and he couldn't take care of himself any longer. When Bob opened the door and invited us in, he was all smiles. I looked at the photographs in the living room as the medics struggled to explain what was happening. Bob survived World War II, married his sweetheart and had two children who were, according to him, important business people on the West coast. Bob could recall memories from the past, but couldn't remember why it was we came to visit him this day.
Bob couldn't really understand why he had to leave his home, but he said he trusted us. I rode with Bob to the hospital and stayed with him until he got settled. He'd already forgotten our conversation in the living room.
Even though I'd never met him before, seeing Bob in this condition broke my heart. I thought of my own father and prayed that he didn't have face the same disease. My mind drifted to all the jokes of "I don't want to get old" as I realized they'd become less and less of a joke, and more of a true statement.
The ability to truly empathize and sympathize are qualities of a good human being. I just wonder if there is a limit that the soul can endure.
Bob had outlived his wife. His kids were grown and moved away. Bob's mind was slipping more and more each day according to his doctor, and he couldn't take care of himself any longer. When Bob opened the door and invited us in, he was all smiles. I looked at the photographs in the living room as the medics struggled to explain what was happening. Bob survived World War II, married his sweetheart and had two children who were, according to him, important business people on the West coast. Bob could recall memories from the past, but couldn't remember why it was we came to visit him this day.
Bob couldn't really understand why he had to leave his home, but he said he trusted us. I rode with Bob to the hospital and stayed with him until he got settled. He'd already forgotten our conversation in the living room.
Even though I'd never met him before, seeing Bob in this condition broke my heart. I thought of my own father and prayed that he didn't have face the same disease. My mind drifted to all the jokes of "I don't want to get old" as I realized they'd become less and less of a joke, and more of a true statement.
The ability to truly empathize and sympathize are qualities of a good human being. I just wonder if there is a limit that the soul can endure.
Labels: the good the bad the ugly
posted by Moe at 14:05
4 Comments:
You are a good man, FF, and I've known this for years.
The work you do can be truly wonderful and rewarding for those you can help and save, yet at the same time can be so sad because there really isn't much more one can do to help another.
You have wonderful qualities and it's what led you to do the work you do.
Hold your chin up high and just know that although this gentlemen may not remember the conversation you had earlier, at the time I'm sure it meant everything in the world to him.
From someone who cares immensely, please be safe out there.
Moe:
I agree with anon...100%!
It's that ONE person you truly help out, of any HUNDRED that make you forget all about the other 99 jackholes.
Stay safe.
I know you've probably been very busy as of late, but I just thought I'd tell you you that I miss reading your posts.
I hope all is well with you and please stay safe.
BTW, any chance you could change your music (if it's not asking too much).
Take care.
kk
I can understand where you are coming from... this job is constantly tugging at your heart, which is a sign that you have emotion, something a lot of folks think us cops don't have.
Great site you've got here. Stop over at mine if you get a second and check it out. Take care.
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