Oh man. I am listening to the back and forth at the front desk.

Behind the desk: Name and date of birth, please.

Older Patient: When I woke up, it was _______. I don’t think it has changed! If it has, I guess I am in the right place! (hardy har har)

Behind the desk: Name and date of birth, please.

Another Older Patient: Getting a little personal, aren’t ya?! (hardy har har har har)

Behind the desk: Name and date of birth, please.

Another Older Patient: Yes, you can. I’m here for a colonoscopy.

Behind the desk: Name and date of birth, please.

Another Older Patient: Social Security Number? 555.55.5050.

Behind the desk: Name and date of birth, please.

And still another Older Patient: Huh? Speak up!

(sequence repeated three more times)

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I am grateful for behind-the-deskers who are so pleasant to every patient, no matter what.

I am grateful for a “no news is good news” attitude, I guess.

I am grateful for laughter in the waiting room as we all were probably feeling the same angst.

I am grateful for great conversation with two kids who see the world very differently than me.

I am grateful for cinnamon gum.

I am grateful for all the rainy days last week to store up pleasantness for the hot and humid days that weren’t so…and I am so grateful for this week’s rainy days that make me so happy to drive in, to hear the thunder, to watch the happy flowers.

I am grateful Sam’s procedure last week is now considered “routine” and we no longer drive to those procedures in trepidation.

I am grateful when the AC shuts off and my hands have a small chance of warming up. I need one of those warm blankets, please.

I am grateful for a silly patient husband coming off anesthesia with hardly a clue of how loud and funny and slightly inappropriate he is.

I am grateful for answered yes prayers, for good news, and for another long reprieve from procedures.