I pushed the admission computer aside and asked him how he met his wife. "I met Jean through my friend's girlfriend. Jean was a friend of hers and she asked Jean if she would like to go out with me, which Jean accepted. She was my blind date", he answered. They have been married from last 48 years and their love seem to grow stronger with each passing moment. At that time, I made the mistake of looking at the watch and lost my attention. I completed the assessment and shortly after shift ended. I learned bits of information about his personal life through assessment. He lived about three hours from Toronto and wanted to go back to be admitted to the small hospital in his town, despite the strong opposition of his current health professionals. He terribly missed his wife and wanted to be as close to her as possible. Why could not his wife visit, I thought, I got the answer to this question very next day when I recieved telephone call from Jean.
Good evening, this is Irfan, how may I help you?, a standard line when ever I take the phone calls at work. "Hello, my name is Jean, am I speaking to Mr. F's nurse?, you certainly are, I replied. Oh Ifram, how is Danny? (I have been called anything but "Irfan" when I introduce myself to almost anyone from a different culture for the first time. I do not mind, if I work with them for a couple of days they know my name by heart and even if they do not, what difference does that make? I know they see me as someone who cares for them and that is what matters.) Hey Jean, Mr. F is doing okay, he just had his evening medications. "Ifram my nieces and nephew were there to visit him today and they told me that Danny is not doing very well". Jean he had physiotherapy today and is resting now but you know the overall picture and his decision about advance directives; I think in addition to the medical and nursing care, he requires social and emotional support. My collegues and I are doing our best but he terribly misses you and it would be great if you can visit. "Yes, Danny told me about his decision but I need him to come back. I miss him and I would love to visit but I cannot; I do not have anyone to drive me to Toronto, I can drive a tractor in our farm but due to cataract I cannot drive on the road." I listened. Jean asked me to remind Mr F's that "Jeani loves you, she want you to get better. She want you to feed the birds and clean after the cat. She want you to help her with dishes and change the locks on the back door. She misses your goodnight kisses and wants you back."
After watching how much this couple loved and respected each other, I want a partner, I really do.