I finally got a desk for the otherwise useless corner downstairs.  With a bookshelf on the other wall, there is now a place to run my "work" computer.  I had brought it with me from my office in Nevada, but hadn't found a suitable place for it. 

I booted up and read through some of my stored documents. I came across a story I had written, and apparently had not had the....guts...to publish at that time.  Then, when DS and MS came over for dinner last night, the subject came up in conversation and I felt the story deserved telling....so here goes......

I was thrilled when Dr. H., a physician of whom I thought highly, referred a patient to me.  He had told the person that I was competent, caring and would do a good job.  The patient had seen 3 other physicians for a certain problem....and I was able to diagnose and treat it on our first visit. 

I was suprised therefore, when the patient came back to me and said "Thank you for solving my problem.  Unfortunately, I can no longer see you as my doctor."  I was saddened, and asked why.  "Because a member of your staff, who is also a member of your church, has loudly stated to other members of your church that I am gay, and that they should not associate with me because of that. Also, I am a professional in this community, and the spreading of such rumors in this small, conservative community could destroy my career, not to mention my family." 

The patient did not tell me of a sexual preference, and I had not asked, nor had I documented any such thing in the medical record. Appalled, I apologised profusely, and we made arrangements for me to continue treatment over the phone, or by meeting in other offices if needed.  I had not heard the reported exchange in the church, but knew that it was highly probable that such a conversation had indeed taken place......and I remembered our church dedication.

The church had just been built after a large fund-raising endeavor.  The beautiful new sanctuary was finished and we had planned a rousing dedication ceremony. 

On the day of the dedication, a few of us gathered in the morning to do last minute cleaning chores. The double doors leading to the narthex were thrown open to the glorious June sunlight.....and a snake slithered across the threshold.  A hurried chase ensued, and the snake was removed.  There were nervous snickers about "Satan trying to get in the door."  I preferred to think of it as one of God's beautiful creatures looking at the open doors and coming in to see what all the excitement was about.....and then being unceremoniously evicted for not being "the right kind".....

Pity.