All good.

(photo and exchange shared with patient's permission)

Heard that one of my F.P. all-stars was in the clinic the other day. Stopped by to see him before he left.

Me:  "Sir! Heeeeyyy!!! What you know good?"

Him:  "Hey sugar! I'm soooo happy to see you!"

Me:  "Sir! You know how happy I always am to see you, too."

Him: *smiling*

Me:  *smiling right back*

Him:  "You looking good. Like you happy in your life."

Me:  "I am, sir. I am."

Him:  *face gets serious* "You know? That's all you can ask for, right? Jest to be happy."

Me:  *silence*

Him:  *starting to cry*  "I'm very happy in my life, Miss Manning. Very happy."

Me:  *tearing up*  "Why does that make you cry, sir?"

Him:  "Because it ain't promised to you. 'Specially when you get to my age."

Me:  *silence*

Him:  "So it make me cry some to think about my life. It ain't been easy. But it's been good."

Me:  "It still is good."

Him:  *now full on crying*  "Yes, ma'am. It's all good." *points to the sky* "Cawse it's all God."

Me: *silence*

Him:  *wipes cheeks and sighs* "Love you, doc."

Me:   "You know what, sir? I love you, too. I really do."

Him:  *crying again*

Hug him tight before leaving the room. Gently step outside of the door.

*deep breath*


"You know what, sir? I love you, too. I really do."

I said that because it's true. I really do love him, too. And I really am happy. And no, it's not promised that you will be at any age.

 *Now crying, too.*


This? This is Grady. And it's all good.

***
Happy Friday.

Now playing on my mental iPod. . . . Mary Mary sings "Be Happy".


P.S. Every time I look at his sweet picture I want to cry. I really do.