By Rick Schneider
A man recently entered FAIRHOPE’s compassionate care. Prior to signing on to our service, he had been a patient at a Columbus area hospital. When he was admitted to the Pickering House, he definitely had “an attitude”. He said that no one listened to him or cared. One of the little things that bugged him was that he couldn’t have what he really wanted to eat for dinner.
He was expecting more of the same from us. Not long after his arrival, a Pickering House STNA, Carla, came into his room. It didn’t take her long to realize that he was agitated.
“Well, what can we do for you that would make you feel better?” Carla inquired. He said it was something that we couldn’t help him with because the only thing that would make him feel better was chicken from his favorite restaurant. “Which one?” she asked.
With a tepid sigh, he said he was from New Lexington and his favorite restaurant was Dodson’s on Broadway. He mentioned that the fried chicken with French fries is his favorite.
Carla’s experience told her that any faint mention of a favorite food was deep down a wish in disguise.
Since Carla lives in the New Lexington area, she thought maybe she could bring him in an order of chicken the next day. However, she knew things could change quickly.
The idea crossed her mind that her daughter may be able to deliver the food. By the grace of God her daughter was home and willing to help. Carla called Dodson’s and ordered the chicken.
When the meal was brought to his room, he was stunned. Through his tears, he thanked Carla for asking our cook to prepare the meal.
His family thought Carla was being facetious when told that the chicken was just delivered from Dodson’s. Once it sunk in as to the energy put into fulfilling the request, they were speechless and there were more tears.
The importance of eating his favorite meal satisfied his desire to taste a favorite indulgence one last time. He was able to relive one of the enjoyable parts of his life. More importantly, it satisfied his longing to be accepted as a normal person again; his longing to have the autonomy to ask for something and receive it.