Doctor visit

We've been so fortunate not to have any medical mishaps since we've been here, but Bridget has had a lump on her eyelid for weeks. Our pediatrician's office told me to do hot compresses etc and if the lump was red to see a doc. So off we went on Monday to the only local doctor listed as English speaking in my guide.

His office was like walking into a Norman Rockwell painting; I haven't seen this kind of old fashioned GP office since I was a little girl. He was a small, older man and said he went to school in the states over 35-years ago and doesn't use his English much. He examined Bridget, and in the typical Japanese manner, apologized profusely that he felt that she should see a specialist. He made some phone calls and then proceeded to pull his coat on and said that he was going to escort us! We walked around the corner into a very modern office, past all the other patients in the waiting room and got immediate attention. He translated everything the specialist said for me (diagnosis: chalazion) and how to treat it, then walked us to the pharmacy to make sure I got the perscription filled okay.

By this time, he had spent over an hour with us and I told him that I would pay his receptionist. He insisted that I not pay because in the states he had to see a doctor and he was not charged because in the U.S., doctors did not charge doctors (is that still true?). He felt that by not charging me that he was returning the kindness. I said that I hoped that I could help a Japanese person in the U.S. and return the kindness again. He said that that would make him very happy.

Bridget and I decided to put together a little gift basket for him. I had brought along some Iverson maple syrup, so we assembled a tea, jam, syrup basket and brought it over. Not seeing anyone in the front office, we left it on the reception desk. Later on I received a bubbly and enthusiast phone call from my doctor friend. He said that when he went to school in NY state (Binghamton, I think), and that he would drive all over looking for maple syrup because he loved it so. He thanked me over and over again for bringing him his favorite treat. I was just tickled that we happened upon something he truly seemed to enjoy. It made me smile all day.