(Perfectly safe
reading for the testosterone-laden)
May of 1988 – that was the first appointment with Dr. George
Long. Dreading the whole embarrassing process
and the long heard-of discomforts, it was undeniably time for the very
important “inaugural visit.” Dr. Long
was and always has been a charming, sensitive professional – making that first
visit and countless others borderline enjoyable. One could almost forget about the medically
necessary un-pleasantries.
Thinking back over the doctor/patient relationship, it’s
obvious that this fabulous physician was instrumental in many of the “big
watershed moments” of my journey thus far.
He was first to diagnose thyroid issues; discovered 3 early stage
cancers; and best of all – on December 27th 1990, he told me that I
was going to be a mommy! He was beyond patient with the myriad of
questions and concerns. He was ever
encouraging and comforting as a miscarriage was suspected (but thankfully not
confirmed!) Dr. George calmly communicated
the need for an emergency C-section, ultimately delivering my 8lb 1.3oz bundle
of joy without complication. Loving this
little life and so greatly anticipating her arrival from the very beginning of
pregnancy – I couldn’t have hoped for a more consummate professional. (A friend conveyed the same loyalty to the doctor who
delivered her babies – so it seems I’m not alone.) The entire pregnancy and delivery experience really escalated my confidence in him as a physician.
“Dr. George” is the ONLY gynecologist I’ve ever seen. Because of his integrity, compassion and
flawless care - he earned my trust,
respect and countless referrals over the last 24.5 years. Of course, I’ve often said that Dr. George’s distantly approaching retirement would be a
significant obstacle when the time came.
I could NEVER imagine another gyno.
A few days ago I mentioned
to WGH that being delinquent for my annual visit; I needed to call for an
appointment with Dr. George before December 31st. (It was a fleeting thought and I neglected to
make the call.) Strangely, yesterday
afternoon, there was a message from his office: “You
need to come in and pick up your medical records in the next two days as our
office is closing unexpectedly.” Living in the lawsuit-happy culture that we
do – my immediate assumption was the catalyst for closing, was likely a medical
malpractice case.
Hearing the peculiar message AFTER business hours – I resorted
to a quick online search. Several links popped up, resulting in sad shock - Dr.
George died at 56 from a heart attack. Tears filled my eyes upon the
realization that this wonderful doctor is now gone - dying one
week after memorializing his father – who was also his longtime partner in the
practice. Knowing that he is married
with children (younger than mine)….and knowing the office staff has long been
much like a family, I was heartbroken. The doctor/patient relationship – while important,
pales in contrast to the wife, sons and “office family” that are grieving the
absence of an incredibly exuberant, all-around great guy!
So, the search for a new OBGYN will soon commence for all of
Dr. Long’s patients. The online tributes
reveal that many women share my sentiments.
But, newly widowed Mrs. Long and
their children will experience Christmas without a husband and father. They will usher in 2013 in a completely
unexpected manner. Without any
forewarning, they are without their protector, provider, best friend and
spiritual leader. Always evident in conversation – and throughout
the office, Dr. George was not just a consummate professional, but a Godly,
devoted family man.
When death occurs, I tend to wonder what the last 24 hours
were like for the family. If they could
recapture those precious hours – what would they do differently? What would they say to each other? You’ve got to think that trite matters would
be overlooked and an emphasis on finishing well would be apparent. Clearly, I’ve no clue what transpired within
the walls of their home – but I pray that the same calming demeanor patients
relied on and appreciated, was magnified to and from the family he
cherished.
In 24.5 years, Dr. George shared countless bits of wisdom
and insight. Perhaps the final takeaway
is this: How would I have spent the last 24
hours if this turned out to be my final moment? How would
foreknowledge of our death or someone else’s change perspective? Would trivial
things be appropriately laid aside?
Would couples hold each other tighter and embrace a little longer? If we had an idea that we were soon to be
absent of our physical bodies, would we love more completely and unashamedly,
forgive quickly and readily? Would we laugh more? Complain less? Would we
embrace still, quiet moments with our Creator or squander dwindling hours? As parents, what would we want our last words
to our children to be?
Most importantly, would
we draw close to Christ and leave no doubts about our future in Heaven? Would we do more to make certain our family
and friends would be with us for eternity?
These aren’t new or first time thoughts, but Dr. Long’s sudden passing
has certainly caused me to reflect on these questions.
Minutes past are gone forever – we don’t get them back. Opportunities missed don’t always present
again. We don’t know when our last
breath will leave our lungs…but it will happen to every one of us, and it could
be at any second. Why risk or waste a
moment? A word? A decision?
An opportunity?
