No coincidences... A few days ago I left work thoroughly exhausted and on the way home, stopped at a rather well known mens clothing store, (Raymonds), to pick up some clothes I had been trying to have tailored. I say trying because it was my fifth visit in 4 weeks to have one shirt repaired yet again. That particular day was a difficult one for many reasons, and I wanted to get home. At the shop, the manager apologize profusely (also for the 5th time), and had me sit in their waiting area. After I sat despondently for 20 minutes, my usual senior sales consultant, a mid-50s gentleman who always assists me in my purchases asked if I would be willing to speak for a moment with a junior salesman who was not well. He whispered that the boy needs a doctor and since youre here, maybe you could speak to him. Already in a foul mood for being made to wait yet again, I agreed, thinking that it would be impolite to refuse. A young man in his 20s nervously approached and essentially described all the symptoms of Hypochondria. Since its something I treat approximately 4-5 times daily, I explained the syndrome to him and assured him of his health.When I asked the common question I pose to all suffering from this condition as to whether he witnessed any deaths of illnesses in his family or friends, he informed me that he had just lost his father a few months ago and was now in-charge of his three younger sisters and mother. My heart reached out to the young man who suffered so much, while it also chastised me for feeling so much self-pity after a difficult week. This young hero reminded me what true suffering was and also how to show strength and fortitude in its wake. After 45 minutes of counseling, I recommended some anti-anxiety meds and asked him to see me for free at the hospital in a week where Id try to ensure his continued health. As I finally was given my shirt an hour after I had arrived, I heard two things which reassured me that all things on this earth are guided by an intelligent and loving presence. First, the now smiling younger man who clearly was at peace after many months, told me that he was advised by family and friends to see a Psychologist or Psychiatrist, but that since he heard I was some sort of medical person, he may as well try me. I gave him my card which indicated psychopathologist and assured him as well that there were no coincidences. But it was as I was leaving that he confided that he was unable to live with this crazy fear anymore. That had he not met me and been reassured that he was not going mad, he would have ended his life within a week. I left for home with a great humility inside and an inexpressible feeling of gratitude to whoever was running this universe for showing me that every moment of what appears to be wasted time, may be transformed into life-affirming, precious gems which remind us of the purpose of our birth and existence.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:56:15 +0000
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