Giving vs Receiving...

I was driving to my Sunnyvale clinic on Tueday morning to see a few patients and have lunch with one of them, a VIP patient, who recently gave a very good book, Into The Magic Shop, written by James R. Doty, a neurosurgeon and professor from Stanford University. I'd like to thank her for introducing me a great book with great stories, all from a great doctor.

While I was parking, I received a message from David, one of my patients in Santa Cruz, who wanted to see me if I happened to be in the Santa Cruz clinic that day. I was there on Tuesday and wished he'd called me on then. Conflicted about driving two hours along the winding Highway 17 for a single patient, I typed, "Sorry I was there on Tuesday and I should have checked in with you then. I'm booked today..." 

Just before sending the message, I remined myself, "Wait a minute! Didn't David already say that he'd super busy from Febuary to end of April when he drove to my Sunnyvale clinic with his wife to see me right after New Year?" He had been driving to Sunnyale during the whole winter with his wife, never late despite heavy rain. This was the time he needed me, and I am his service provider. Looking at my unsent text, I was a bit embarrassed as I deleted it. I told him I could make it.

As I drove in to the parking lot I saw David just turned afround to watch me get out of my car. He shook my hand and said, "I hope you did not come just for me." I smiled at him and responded, "Don't you think you deserve my trip to Santa Cruz?" 

After what we called a great "nap-puncture", he told me he felt guilty taking up so much of my time. In a heartbeat, I reassured him, "That's why I drove here to see you so that you can continue to provide the best accounting service for many more who need." 

I added, "By the way, I just got a massage myself before coming." The care providers also need care...

Edited by Jonathan He