"Do the Best You Can with What You Have": A Patient's Profound Statement Worth Pondering

Today at work, I encountered a patient whose words deeply resonated with me. He was in his 80s, admitted to the hospital with a gastrointestinal bleed. The plan was to perform a colonoscopy for further diagnostics, but his bowel prep leading up to the test hadn’t been adequate, delaying the procedure. As a result, he had to continue fasting under the hospital’s NPO (nothing by mouth) protocol.

When I entered his room, I saw frustration etched on his face. He told me he hadn’t eaten in four days and wanted to know when the test was going to happen. He was hungry, beyond frustrated, and longing for this ordeal to end so he could eat and, hopefully, go home. As he poured out his frustrations, a call came from the endoscopy department, informing us that his procedure was on track to happen soon and they would send for him in about fifteen minutes.  

Hearing this, his mood shifted dramatically. Relief immediately replaced his frustration. He smiled but soon needed assistance with his urinal, remarking on how life had stripped away his independence:  

“Life is so strange. You get sick, everything falls apart, and you still die.”  

His words hit me hard. They encapsulated the fragility of life and the inevitability of our human condition. Yet, in his vulnerability, he left me with a piece of wisdom to ponder:  

“No matter what stage of life you’re in, be happy. Do your best. Love, forgive those who cause you pain, and move on. At the end of the day, our lives don’t amount to much—but they could, if we share them meaningfully with those around us.”  

We don’t need to be 80 years old to understand the truth in his statement and outlook on life. Life is fleeting, but it can be rich and meaningful if we focus on what truly matters: connection, kindness, and love.  

If there’s one thing this job has taught me, it’s that life is dynamic.  

In the end, his test was completed, and he was finally able to eat a meal. Shortly after, he was discharged. Before he left, he told me how appreciative he was of the care he received. I couldn’t help but tell him how much his earlier statement had touched me and that I had written about it. To my surprise, he asked me to share the piece with him.  

Look at that, folks. This is why I go to work, even on days when I don’t feel like it.  

I just wanted to share this moment with you, hoping it inspires you as it did me.  

As you know, for HIPAA reasons, I cannot share more details about the patient, but you get the message.  

God bless you all,  

Pal Ronnie