No Need To Worry

“I hope they don’t leave you sitting out here as long as they have left me,” said an older gentleman from his wheelchair from across the room. We were the only two in the small hospital waiting area. “How long have you been here?” I asked. “I got here about eight this morning. Had blood work. Been waiting ever since,” he said. “Well maybe it won’t be too much longer. This is a busy place!” I said, hoping to put him at ease. I used my best "calming the patient" voice that I've used many times as a nurse. “I have a big mass,” he said solemnly. “On my liver. They’re going to do a biopsy today to see what it is.” I could see a yellowish color to his fragile, pale skin. I had already assessed him to have some kind of liver problem. “Too much good whiskey!” he said with a chuckle. “But I’ve had a good life. Where are you from?” he asked as he proudly stated his first, middle and last name to introduce himself. I can always be guaranteed whenever I say where I’m from, whoever I’m talking with will know somebody from my hometown. I moved closer and sat down beside him. “I had a dear friend from there,” he said. “He and I were like family. I can remember holding his two girls when they were babies, many years ago.” “I’m here to take you back,” said the nurse as she walked between us to grab the handles on the back of his wheelchair. “Good luck with your biopsy,” I said as I stood to shake his hand. “I hope your results are good.” “Whatever the results are today, everything will be just fine,” he said as he rolled away with a big smile on his face. “No need to worry ‘til you got something to worry about!” "No need to worry 'til you have something to worry about," he said. Those are good words to live by. I’m glad that we were supposed to meet on this day, in a hospital waiting room, sir. I hope you do well. I’ll say a prayer. From the mind of me.