>>1568575Something a little less angering;
Rule of thumb, if I have to call a patient born before 1960, odds are they're gonna find something to scream at me about. Every time before I make such a call, I have to physically take a minute to breathe it all out before punching in the number.
>Called a patient born during the 30's>Dreading it already, they're either gonna be grouchy as hell or hard as shit to hear talk>Patient picks up, and the sweetest little old lady voice says "Good day, how can I help you?">Surprised, I did the usual and completed the business with her>Afterwards, I asked the customary "Is there anything else I can help you with, ma'am?">"Oh yes, deary, do you mind talking with me for just a little bit? If you're not too busy?">Of course>We chat for a good 15 minutes, and I find out she's widowed with a son and daughter who never visit her>Tells me she's sick, only has about a year left to live>"Oh, it's alright, sweetie, I'm ready anyhow. I've lived a good life, and even if my own children don't have the time to see me, I know I raised them good.">sadboys.jpg>"Well, I'd best let you get back to work. I really enjoyed talking with you, it's been a long time since I've had such a handsome sounding young man calling on me!">Hung up the phone, just sat at my workstation staring blankly at my computer screen for what seemed like a long timeThat was six months ago, and it still keeps me up at night sometimes. I hear it all the time and never really thought about it, but a little kindness does go a long way.