I have looked at the back of a name card that has rested on a shelf in my bedroom for months and months.
"Vick" it shows me again and again. I remember Truett, in his earlier years of rehab, showing me this name card and saying, "Never lose this card!"
So, I didn't.
I placed this name card next to my jewelery box and glanced at it often.
But, somehow, the name card would surface like a beacon ever so often. I would wonder, "Why is this person important? Who is this person?"
Finally, after two years, I dialed the phone number on the card because I knew this name meant something to Truett. I didn't know who or what. I just knew that I was never to throw that phone number away again, ever.
"Hello, This is Merry George. I am Truett George's wife. I have your card here and Truett told me to NEVER get rid of it. Can you give me a call please. I'm just curious. Thank you."
Well, Vick returned my phone call. Vick was a 'baby-sitter' for Truett when Truett was at Shands Rehab Hospital. Since Truett could not walk and needed assistance throughout the night, Vick was one of the people who stayed with him at night.
"I wondered what the connection was," I told Vick. Truett made it very clear that I keep your card with your phone number so I knew the two of you connected somehow.
"Yes, Truett and I hit it off. He told me about being from Louisville and boxing in the National Guard and meeting Muhammed Ali. He told me about you and how you met. We had very meaningful conversations. He told me about your children and his stained glass business."
I told Vick I was looking for someone to visit Truett a couple of times a week for an hour. Someone to push him outside for fresh air. Someone who could "be" with Truett. Someone who could have conversation with Truett, someone other than me. A male figure. Also, I would gladly pay for this service.
However, Vick got his CNA degree and has a full-time job now, so he is not available.
Now, what do I do with Vick's card. I know I'm not throwing it away. I will place it under my jewelry box in hopes Vick needs extra work someday.
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