Sweet Caroline

It’s the in-between moments that can make our day

Photo by Nick Fewings via Unsplash

I met Caroline on my quest for a colonoscopy. Needless to say, I had already heard an awful lot (emphasis on “awful”) about the procedure from friends, family, co-workers, etc. who had gone before me. What I wanted most was to be seen by a doctor who would take time with, and questions from, patients…with, well, patience. I wanted to be treated by someone curious, who was open-minded and willing to discuss things. Finding doctors like this before the pandemic was already a challenge, but now it seems even tougher.

That’s when I met Caroline. Which turned out to be good news for both Dr. Eng and me.

Caroline called me back after the reception staff at Dr. Eng’s office didn’t know how to respond to some of my inquiries about his approach to gastroenterology and to patients. I had been getting used to doctors’ offices being stumped and frustrated by my questions. After all, they run a busy office. Do I want an appointment or not? Instead of dismissing my questions, Dr. Eng’s staff relayed them to Caroline and asked her to call me.

After just a minute of chatting, it was easy to see why they did. Caroline is a connector. At least she was with me. In a matter of moments, she turned what could have been another elusive conversation into an inclusive one. She listened, asked questions and shared her own experiences, so I understood that she could relate to me. She answered my questions without making me feel like a nuisance or burden for asking them. She even gave me her cell number, in case I had additional questions. How many other would-be-new patients have been won over by Caroline’s compassion and care? I wondered. She is certainly an MVP in my book.

Because of that extraordinary, everyday interaction with Caroline, sweet Caroline, I was completely receptive and even enthusiastic about seeing Dr. Eng…for my colonoscopy. Imagine what that says about our potential ability to shape could-be sour moments into sweet ones.

The power of connecting in those so-called ordinary moments of life is so much more than we would think. The small moments matter…big time!