Lessons learned at the doctor*s office

One of my clergy friends wore a red hat to the bishop*s retirement party.  It was awesome.  I could never have pulled it off (I don*t do hats well, any size hat).  She, however, wore it well, with panache.

Usually I am able to sluff off patronizing remarks, though some days are more difficult.   I have made it through the six month no-driving thing, and am out the other side, for now.  And now there is another test ordered to scan my carotid arteries.  

Somehow planting the elderberry bush, and planting it deep, seemed the right thing to do after that doctor visit.

A doctor my age or older

Is less likely

to patronize me.

Even the doctor*s gender

Does not seem

A determining factor.

I understand

I am now

In the older category.

I still have a fifteen year old

At home

And getting a physical

For an internship

Is not just

A nice way to keep busy.

I would rather garden.

The internship will not be

Pleasant volunteer work

Making lace doily placemats

For the nursing home.

Oh sure

I think, but do not say,

 I*ll come back

For regular TB tests

So I can see all of you

More often.

Yesterday I planted

The elderberry bush

Next to the rhubarb.

I dug deep so its roots

Would find a home

Next to the rhubarb roots.

I will watch it bloom and fruit

But first I want to make sure

Its roots

Have room enough.