First day

Mrs. Henderson was an amazing lady. The fact that she was 76 meant nothing to her -- and you could tell. When Melissa and I got to her room, I couldn't believe she was a patient. She was so chipper.

"Well, good morning! Glad you two could make it. Can I get you anything," she starts. Before we could get a word in, she started again, "Well, you two have a seat. I was so glad to hear someone was coming by..."

The lady wouldn't stop talking. I don't think she took a single breath, either. Melissa and I just kind of stood there, frozen stiff. Heck, we didn't know what to do. And did I mention she looked like Mary Poppins? I think it was the hair.

I couldn't help but wonder, though, "Now what could possibly be wrong with this woman (other than the fact she had an insane amount of energy)?" Then it hit me. "Aha, she's psychotic."

Well, not quite.

Truth was Mrs. Henderson wasn't your typical patient. She was a retired physician, who had spent most of her life doing missionary work. After finally getting the kids out, she and Mr. Henderson, who was also a doctor, decided it was more economical to live the rest of their days at the retirement home.

You should've seen me trying to take her blood pressure. I was so inept. She was my first patient, ever. And, of course, she'd be a retired cardiovascular surgeon with enough energy to put the freakin' energizer bunny to shame. I couldn't help but think this was going to be a long day.