Waiting in Line

“The older you get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.” Will Rogers

Pilgrim on a Long, Long Journey

“The older you get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.” Will Rogers, 20th-century humorist.

He only lived to 56. But, he lacked fast-food restaurants, Kindle downloaded books, and instant phone communication, nearly anywhere. You remember being unavailable. Right?

Many start-ups in this century have been selling convenience without lines. Even waiting in line is easier while reading via your phone. 

I think that pace has made one thing quite important in our lives. That is the ability to slow down, well. I have had little success. Lord, please bless those of us who need it with that tranquil skill.

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Ode to a Wonderful Professor

“Truly great people emit a light that warms the hearts of those around them. When that light has been put out, a heavy shadow of despair descends.” Banana Yoshimoto, a Japanese writer. I remember a professor who could light up a room with his smile and gracious manner. 

Given I graduated from the med school where I met Maurice Josh Jurkiewicz, M. D., 51 years ago, we lost him eleven years ago. One of the obits about this strong Catholic raised in New England by Polish immigrant parents was illuminating.  

A physician friend of “Josh”, Paul M. Weeks, MD, wrote the obit saying “His enthusiasm, demeanor, and knowledge endeared him to all.” Dr. Weeks attended meetings with Dr. Jurkiewicz for years. He described the medical audience when Josh spoke. “They were rarely disappointed. His smile, his laugh, and his self-deprecation revealed a person we all loved and respected.” 

Josh was a world-renowned surgeon, who always let you forget that in the way he treated you. I am sure his family, those he taught, and those he worked with over his long career, have sorely missed him. For all the right reasons, Dr. Maurice Jurkiewicz is one of those people you never forget.