MR. COOPER

One day, Margaret, one of the residents takes me over to the men's ward to meet her 'boyfriend', Mr. Cooper. A quiet, very thin gentleman, with a quick smile is introduced, and we quickly become friends. Mr. Cooper as a young man, came to the U.S. and lived in New York City for a few years. He found work, and told me that the people of my color treated him very well. He was making a living and happy except for one thing. His mother missed him so, and repeatedly begged him to return to Jamaica. Finally, over time, he couldn't stand her being so unhappy and returned home. It was not many years after that he fell off the roof of a building at work, and something heavy fell on top of him, hurting his back and legs permanently. He wonders what life would have been like had he stayed in the states, and wishes he had resisted his mother's plea's to come home. Although in almost constant pain, he does not complain. He stays mostly in a wheelchair, though he can stand and move a bit. I didn't even know he was in pain for a long time. What a difference from us Americans who whine and take medication for every ache or pain. We have been taught to swallow a pill for everything. Heaven forbid we suffer. While top medical care has been a benfit of our culture, I'm not sure it has always been beneficial if you know what I mean. This is one man, who I would love to bring a prescription to and alleviate the suffering. At least the physical kind.
He prays continually that the Lord heal him. He said, with a smile, if he was healed and could run, he would run right out the gate and down the hill from the Infirmary! He goes to church as often as someone will come pick him up. I often miss him, because he is out with somebody. He has much advice, both Godly and practical. It's hard to tear myself away from him, I enjoy talking with him so much. He is sharp, and I find that I can talk to him as a daughter would a father, not caregiver to patient. He quietly tells me out of Margaret's hearing that she is "not right in the head." But true to his kind nature, he treats her with respect and genteel humor. No wonder Margaret is in love! What a catch...