two: it's a small world after all

It may seem weird that I don't even remember two's name, but it's probably for the best because patient confidentiality is kind of a big deal.

She was really just like any other patient on floor four, older, fragile, and not exactly thrilled about being at the hospital. On first glance I would not have given her any extra attention besides the obligated smile when asking her if she needed anything extra. I think it was just one of those days... I was tired from a full day of classes and my mind was full of other things. Then she asked me if I was Chinese, which oddly enough is a question I get asked quite often. Some days it annoys me to the point where I want to blurt out somethign sarcastic, and other days I just don't care.

That day I humoured her and told her I was, which lead to another question I also seem to get quite often. She asked me if I know so-and-so, and even after I said no she went on to tell me the story of how they met. The story was actually quite touching, with their chance encounter beginning at the airport and turning into a beneficial relationship for both. One was the mentoring mother figure and the other was the vulnerable foreign student. She finished off her story by saying she had not been in contact with said person for a while due to many different circumstances and was saddened by that notion. From the way it sounded, and the lack of flowers and cards in the room, it seemed she did not have a lot of people in the city who cared enough to know she was in the hospital, or let alone visit her.

By then I had already figured out I was probably within one degree of separation of the girl she wished to contact. So I mentioned that fact, and she asked me if I could inform the girl of that situation. Such a simple request. I said I would try, but honestly didn't give it much thought because after all it was just another event in a very long day. Of course even when I don't plan things out, things that are meant to be will still happen. That girl happened to go to an event at my church that week... she had no idea her mentor was in the hospital.

The following Thursday the older lady was still at the hospital, and this time I made a point to stop by her room to talk to her. She was so happy she was able to be reunited with her friend. It seemed so simple and genuine. I guess sometimes it is the little things that make people happy, and I hope that I can be one of those people who find happiness in the little things.