This week one of the nicest people I ever met died. He was not what you would call a “close” friend. He was a patient at the doctor’s office where I work part-time. I am immensely grieved that I never took the time to tell him how much I appreciated him.

When I starting working at Dr. G’s about 2 years ago, things were a lot more hectic a whole lot more of the time. One day, not long after I started, it was lunch time (and I hadn’t had breakfast) and when I looked out in the waiting room…..it was FULL! No hope for any lunch either. I can’t tell you what that can do to a crazed, hungry and tired ol’ FAT nurse. So when I called the next patient in…….I said,

“Anyone with food gets in next!” Everyone laughed and obviously no one had food. (I believe I was also told that bribery is not an accepted practice at Dr. G’s.)

The next morning, I opened the door to call in a patient and there sat an older-like gentleman who looked very distinguished and he was waving a Hardee’s bag in the air! Needless to say, I brought him right in while absolutely cracking up. That was the beginning of my admiration for Mr. Milner! (Yes, I can be bought! Haha) Such a charmer.

This gentleman’s wife had died a few years ago after a brave battle with cancer. He was in his 70’s, but continued to work several days a week as an engineer for the electric dept. He had trouble controlling his blood pressure at times, so he would come in a day or two a week to have it checked. ALWAYS smiling and very appreciative of anything you did for him. Very talkative and always interested in what you had to say. Just a jewel.

I wanted to fix him up with my mom. I couldn’t think of a more perfect couple. Two energetic and kind people…..a match made by me. When I approached him with the idea…….he calmly said, “I guess you haven’t heard that I had my prostate removed.” Every nerve in my entire body screamed to bust out laughing and tell him “Perfect”, but I carried on the conversation without mentioning my “fix-up” idea again. I think he had a genuine admiration for me after that. Such a sweetie.

The election process started and we both liked the same Republican candidate who will remain anonymous as not to offend anyone. We traded email addresses and though he didn’t write, he always told me how much he loved the articles and cartoons I sent him. That made me feel good. Along with the election stuff…….I also sent some God-loving articles. So that told me I wasn’t offending him. What a diplomat!

He was getting paler and weaker…….but, never came in without a smile and his usual compliments. He had a few hospitalizations, but always came bouncing back. Last week, I got the first of the emails from the mail demon…….”Message undeliverable….user unknown.” Fear struck at my heart, but, I assumed he was just too sick to email.

I went to work the next day after several days of being off, and the first person I asked about was Mr. Milner. He was gone. He had died on Thursday. I couldn’t believe how it hit me. I was so incredibly sad and weepy. I wish I had took the time to tell the man how he made my part of the world a little brighter. I can only hope that he saw how my eyes brightened up when I opened the door to the waiting room and saw him sitting there. What a special earthly angel he was.

I will strive to always remember the lessons he taught me by his example. Always be friendly. Concentrate on the good in everyone. Treat everyone like they’re important. Live each day like it’s the last. Go out of your way to make someone else’s’ life a little easier.

I assume he’s up there in heaven making the others feel special. You made a difference, Mr. Milner in the way you lived your earthly life. You will be missed. I’ll see you again one day and we will laugh. Enjoy your well deserved rest because you, my friend, deserve it! So long to a special “now” heavenly angel.

Sue Henley doupray2@multipro.com

I’ve been a nurse for 26 years and I’ve been so blessed to meet some of the finest people in the world. I’ve been writing for about 2 years of some of my experiences with my patients and my family. In every experience of my life…….one thing always stands out: GOD is good! Leonard and I will be married 25 years in June and we have 2 wonderful daughters and a pretty cool son-in-law! Also one grand puppy!