The Journey

Steve & Shirley

Tuesday I had an appointment with my cardiologist, Dr. Thomas Kelly. I have known Dr. Kelly for many years, you see he was on call when my regular cardiologist needed some time off. Dr. William Gamble was my cardiologist for many years. He was there to see me through my heart attack, heart failure and all the stuff afterwards. He saw me through several cardio-versions, medication changes, and a time of great stress and depression.

He was more than a doctor. He became my trusted friend.

What I have shared with many of you before is that Dr. Gamble, who is only 63, has been diagnosed with alzheimer’s, and a couple of years ago had to retire. I have tried to email him on several occasions to no avail. Tuesday, Dr. Kelly let me know that Dr. Gamble was now in assisted living. My heart was crushed as I thought about how this brilliant, compassionate, servant of the sick now cannot practice the art and science of healing.

When I returned home Tuesday I told Shirley about our conversation and then gave Dr. Gamble a telephone call. To my great surprise, he answered, he knew me, he still had the same upbeat tone in his voice. We talked for about a half hour. Anyone who knows me, knows that is a long conversation for me. We planned to talk next week and set up a time to eat lunch together at his place and spend some time looking over his photography. I am so deeply pleased and scared at the same time.

I remember Dr. Gamble who knew how afraid I was of going through my first cardio-version, reach down and hold my hand as I was being put to sleep for this procedure. He brought me great comfort and peace by holding my hand. I now have the opportunity to return some of that comfort and peace to him as we visit together over the next few years.

Please pray for him and for me: that I can say and do the right things, and that he will find peace and comfort in my care for him.

Dear Lord, help me to help this dear man – one of your called and equipped healers – as he makes his journey through this scary valley. Speak through my words. Touch him through my actions. Give him peace and comfort as he faces what each new day may bring, in and through Jesus. Amen.

Grace and Peace

Steve

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