SHORTSTORIES

EXCEPTIONAL KINDNESS I was in the hospital for about two and a half months. My doctor came to see me every day (and sometimes checked on me again if he was in the hospital for something else). At the time I did not have insurance, and it was all quite expensive because I was quarantined and had to have a private room with a changing room for visitors to put on gowns and masks, which were all billed to me. It took me years to pay off the hospital bill, but the doctor told me he wasn’t going to charge me his fees and he was thrilled I was on the road to recovery. I was in disbelief and half expected to eventually get a bill of some sort, but I never did. To top it off he never charged me for any follow-up office calls or regular appointments. I was his patient for many years and he said he would start charging me after I paid off the hospital bill. Sadly, he passed away before I finished paying off the hospital. I will never forget his kindness.