P is for Psychology – Part 2

Hello readers: This is a continuation from our April issue.

But I stuck to it. The day of, I arrived 45 minutes early, parked down the street, sat in my Jeep and went over all the responses to the questions I anticipated she might say… building up for failure. I got up to the door. My palms are sweaty. Knees weak, arms are heavy. There’s vomit on my sweater already from mom’s spaghetti.  I approach the front counter. The receptionist says, “Oh I’m sorry. We had to reschedule and I forgot to send you the message.” And like that children’s book by Mercer Mayer, I WAS SO MAD. I stormed out of the office and called my wife, my lawyer and my mother to vent. I complained about the system and why I didn’t want to do this… really just trying to make excuses not to give it another go. But, after a few days, I calmed down and rescheduled. I went through the same anxious feelings that I had the first time like a baby learning to walk… second time’s a charm! I sat down and we did our introductions. Then she proceeds to ask me, out of the blue, if I have a British relative.  

I say, “Yes, my grandmother is British.” 

She says, “Well, she called the office the other day.”

Gran (insert British accent here): “Oh hello there. My grandson was in a wicked and most dreadful car accident and his daughter was injured catastrophically. He built up all his might and decided to get some much needed help and this awful psychologist stood him up. Through my research, I found that you are the best in the city. (Again if she reads this article.) Would you have any openings?” 

I had absolutely no idea she had done this. My mother must have told her the story and how upset I was. She took it upon herself to help her grandson. Good looking out, Gran. This is how my first experience went. But I will be honest with you, that was the ice breaker I needed. The doctor’s response was exactly like mine and it made us both laugh out loud. 

That was four years ago and we still see each other regularly. I can’t tell you why or how it helps, but it does. The grief and loss that I have will never go away, but the good days in between seem to last longer.

 

Daniel Burdis is a father of two and husband of one, who always strives to put family first. He will share tales of adventures throughout his life, but his main goal is to be the relatable father who makes questionable decisions!