By Dr. Roger Moore
September 08, 2015
Category: Lifestyle

One day I entered the room for surgery and asked the patient how he was doing. The friendly response I got was, “I am sanguine.” Now I had no idea what this meant. Before I could get out the ‘Huh?’ I was thinking, my patient’s wife said, “Oh he’s at it again. It is his word of the day.”

This kind gentleman had dealt with the challenges of being an organ transplant recipient. At too young an age he had an organ fail in his body and he could not live without dialysis. He was fortunate to receive a transplant that gave him a new lease on life.

He tried to find ways to keep himself busy and optimistic. He decided to learn a word a day to expand his mind. He also put time into bowling. He actually became very good at both. So good at bowling he competed in the “Transplant games,” a competition for those who have had an organ transplant.

He told me how he had set a goal to win a medal and accomplished this goal twice. He said he was driven to get one more medal. Why? Well the medals had a purpose. They were a gift he gave away. The first was for the mother, then second for the father and the future medal was meant for the brother of the person whose organs kept him alive today. He was doing this for them.

Sanguine, he explained, meant hopeful. Although I may forget the meaning, I will never forget the acts of kindness he shared. He reminded me that each of us owe a debt of gratitude to those who have helped us along our journey to where we are today. It is through others we find our true self. 

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