Many therapists have clients who utter these same words as we greet them for their scheduled appointment.
It’s always nice to hear those words, but I heard them differently once in 1996 and I’ll never forget who said them. Here’s why:
I had a weekly appointment to see Evelyn in her fashionable condo in a high-rent district of the city. It is costly to maintain a home in this area because of its spectacular views and proximity to shopping and entertainment. Evelyn stands about six inches shorter than I, is stout, has a widow’s hump and a marvelous twinkle in her eyes. She dresses comfortably and walks gracefully, albeit a little slow, around her living room which is furnished with a white baby grand piano that I imagine has a direct view of the sunset during the winter. She has lived a colorful life, and although her apartment is filled with memories of the past, prefers to talk of current friends and moments. I’m guessing this is because many of her friends and family have passed on, and it makes her feel lonely to talk about them.
Once, I had to call and cancel my appointment with Evelyn. I had caught a cold, and did not want her to get sick from being near me. The following week came and I called to confirm and showed up at her apartment at our appointed time. As usual, she opened the door wide and stepped back to allow me to roll my massage table past her. As she smiled up at me she said “I’m so happy to see you!”
I replied, “Uh-huh, because you get to have your massage today!”
She looked puzzled as she tilted her head a bit, and her eyes clouded over for just a second as she said, “…No…” then they twinkled again as she smiled at me and said, “I am happy, because you are well!”
Love her!
