It is a slow day...

It is a slow day at the clinic. I am the only one here this afternoon. It is cold, I’m sleepy, and wondering what I am doing here.

Then the phone rings. It is a gentleman asking questions about Michigan Medicaid. He knows he will qualify – his only income is from picking up odd and end jobs while he is the sole caregiver for his 91-year-old mother. We talk for about 15 minutes. It is clear he is lonely, and doesn’t have anyone to talk to very often. So, he talks to me. About his mother, about his life – his vegetable garden, what he gave up to come take care of his mother, and his healthcare options.

I didn’t do anything to help him; he just needed someone to talk to. Is that the reason I am still here this afternoon? Maybe.