What Is the Meaning of Life? That’s a Stupid Question
What one unforgettable patient taught me about life’s meaning.
82 Years Young and More Fulfilled Than Ever
It was the end of a long and trying day in clinic. I’m a family medicine resident, so my patient list is full — I glanced at the chart. Last one. 82-year-old female in for a routine checkup. I’d finally get to go home after seeing her.
Then there’d be notes to write. Then studying. Maybe an hour to decompress and zone out to some Netflix before bed. Then I’d be back in clinic all over again tomorrow.
I sighed.
After I knocked and entered the room, I was greeted by the healthiest 82-year-old I had ever seen. Perched on the exam table, she had permanent smile lines from decades of laughter and a knowing, youthful sparkle in her eyes. She informed me she was fresh from a round of golf with her two grandsons.
She grinned as I slumped into my chair. “You look tired. Tell me about something you do for fun.”
Fun? I haven’t had any of that in a while. “Um, well, I work a lot right now. Oh, and I study too.”
I know. It had been a long day. Of course there are a million things I enjoy doing. In that moment…
