Thread by @gradydoctor

1/
I saw this Grady elder in the clinic one morning. He was walking through the hallway and appeared a bit lost.

Not lost in that way like where you don't completely know where you are, but more in that way where you know you're right near where you're supposed to be.

2/
Me: "Hey there. Can I help you out with something?"

He was staring at this blue index card that obviously served as his treasure map.

Him: "Look here. . . is this where the nutritionist is?"
Me: "Our dietitian is right here." *smiling* "X marks the spot."

3/
I pointed to the open door that was right behind him. He swung around, then threw back his head and laughed.

Him: "Ha! If it had'a been a snake, would-a bit me!"

He erupted into that same joyous chuckle once again.

Man. I was so glad to be there to hear it.

4/
He was a big man, both vertically and circumferentially. His creamy brown skin reminded me of sun drenched tobacco leaves with lines pressed throughout.

It appeared that years of laughter had permanently embedded an outline of glee into his aging face.

It was perfect.

5/
Me: "I think they don't start for a few more minutes, sir."
Him: "Long as I'm in the right place, I'm alright. Thanks, hear?"
Me: "You're welcome.”

I idled for a bit. He saw me still standing there and smiled again.

6/
Me: "Our dietitian team is so good."

He grabbed this midsection with both hands and shook it like a bowl of gelatin.

Him: "I sholl need it, now don't I?"
Me: "Now, see? You trying to get me to put my foot in my mouth."

*laughter*

7/
Just then, I noticed that three finger nails on his right hand were polished. Three different shades -- blue, yellow, and pink.

He caught me looking and splayed his fingers apart extending his hand in front of us both.

I gave an approving nod.

8/
Him: "How you like this handiwork my great-grandbaby put on me last night?"
Me: *smiling* "Awesome. I think it's just awesome."
Him: "I told her she gave ol' Pop-Pop a 'old-man-icure.'"

He slapped his leg with that old-man-icured hand, so tickled at himself.

I loved it.

9/
Him: "You thank they'll mind if I just sit right here and wait for ‘em to get started?"
Me: "I'm sure that's fine."
Him: "Alright then. Take care, hear?"
Me: "Will do, sir."

And just like that he was gone.

10/
I don’t know his backstory. But I do know that he was an elderly Black man in Georgia—which, by definition, meant that he’s surely seen and experienced many things.

Yup.

But the joy coming from him was real. And he shared it freely. Even when lost in a hallway at Grady.

11/
Some people ask why Iove my job so much.

This is why. The extraordinary ordinary. Old man-icures, laughter, tears, and so much more.

This.

This. This. THIS.

This is what I love. So, so much.

That is all.

#bestjobever #thelittlethings #amazinggrady