A life well lived is filled with humor and marked by service.
During the last couple of weeks of my dad’s hospital stay, the medical team transferred him to another unit in preparation for his discharge. It was the best news ever! While there, I was routinely surprised by how the medical staff interpreted my mom’s and my behavior.  Apparently, the extent of our care for my dad mesmerized the male nurses, and they regarded him with a mix of awe, admiration, and envy 😊

Several times a day, they stopped by his room to check on him – sometimes after their shift. With a smile and covetous stare, they remarked that he always looked like a king comfortably seated on his recliner, with women happily taking care of him. And they just had to see him. I found their reaction and the way they shared their perceptions comical. Initially, I thought they were kidding around. However, I later realized they were genuinely astonished!

Perhaps their surprise at seeing people, specifically, women diligently caring for a loved one, i.e., a man, was indicative of a crippling societal problem! – A dearth of true love. Love is not slavery. Love is a choice. It voluntarily serves.
Given the phenomenal dad and human my father is and has always been, serving him when he was sick was an immense privilege. I would fall on a hospital floor a hundred times if that’s what it took! And it is not due to the greatness of my heart. Instead, it is the output of his character.

A cherished perspective

Unsurprisingly, my dad is unimpressed by the reasons the male nurses admired him. He is repulsed by the idea, suggestion, or inference that women exist to serve men. Also, he believes society is strongest when people understand the need and the reciprocal value of serving each other. Additionally, as a dad to girls, he is very aware of the privilege society affords men and believes good men assume a higher responsibility to serve.

Friend, we must always make room in our hearts and lives to serve others and laugh! Research suggests both are good for our health, and nowadays, they are likely the least expensive “medications”. 😊

For you and to you,
Aké

Image credit: Pixabay | RobertoVi