Thursday, April 23, 2009

THE ART OF REMEMBERING

"True Blue Friends....make you feel good and warm; they are automatically on the same wavelength; they feel genuinely sorry and come to your assistance when you're in trouble; you can speak freely to them, you don't have to be on guard, they really listen; they care about what you're doing."-Adelaide Bry

REMEMBERING A WONDERFUL DOCTOR-Today is the unforgettable birthday of my favorite otolaryngologist (a doctor dealing w/ disorders of the ear, nose, and throat). This post is dedicated to him. I met him because I had hearing problem. In the late 80's and on the early 90's, I experienced a decade of devastating, progressive, and profound bilateral hearing loss. This was the most challenging experience I had in life. But thank God, I live in an advance world of technology where it's still possible for a deafened artist like me to go back to the world of sound. On February 27,1997 I had a successful cochlear implant surgery at the UCLA Medical Center in Westwood, California.
WHAT IS A COCHLEAR IMPLANT? It is a miniaturized computer device that helps hearing impaired people like me to hear environmental sounds and understand the spoken words. Cochlear implant is not like magic. I didn't get my hearing back overnight. It took months of rehab and practice to decipher the mechanical sounds from my cochlear implant. Today I am a happy recipient of the cochlear implant technology. I am forever grateful to my ear surgeon, Dr. Jim who gave me the chance to recover 80% of my hearing. EBB AND DR. ANDREWS - This photo was taken at his office two and half years ago."HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. ANDREWS! You're a wonderful doctor and true Blue friend. Just exactly like the quotation above. Thanks again for everything you did for me. I will always remember you."
"TAOS POTTERY" (18" x 24"-oil on canvas). Next to Philippine scenes, I love to paint Southwest scenes. I like the simplicity of the Southwest art. I think the "Taos Pottery" is the best realistic Southwest oil painting I had ever painted. I created this painting during one of the darkest times of my life. I was depressed w/ my worsening hearing problem and painting became my therapy. The original oil painting is far more beautiful than the photo above. This is the only photo I have. In deep appreciation for my successful cochlear implant, I lovingly gave this beautiful oil painting as a Christmas gift to Dr. Jim in 1997. What would I give to a doctor who has everything? I have no doubt that a gift of art from my heart and hand is perfect. I still remember what Dr. Jim told my husband while visiting him one day at his medical office....

"Please tell your wife, thank you for the oil painting. It's so......BEAUTIFUL!!! I displayed it in our family room."

I will never forget those nice and kind words. I was so happy and honored that he didn't hang my painting in the garage. I am truly honored that my painting is on display in his luxurious home. Over the years, I never regretted giving him few more of my oil paintings. He is the most compassionate ear surgeon I have ever known. I have so many doctors, but none as caring and as nice as him. Ever heard of a doctor taking the time to answer a patient's e-mail? Yes, he replies to my e-mails. He even reads my blog. Very rare quality among doctors today. He's not only my doctor but also a friend. How could I forget someone like him?

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16 comments:

Grammy said...

That is truly amazing to find such a wonderful doctor. I love all the detail on the painting too. SW is my favorite try in my collection. I went to 3 diffrent ENT Dr's and the last one I saw today will do my surgery on the 29th of may. I have a mass in my sphenold sinus.

Ebb Tide said...

Grammy-I think finding a wonderful doctor is a blessing from God. Before I met my ear doctor, I had seen about five, and no one was as compassionate as Dr. J. Praying that your ENT doctor will do a good job on your ear.

Anonymous said...

What a touching tribute to a doctor! Wish I had a doctor like him.

Ebb Tide said...

Anonymous-I wish you'll find one.

Lloyd Irving Bradbury said...

God gives us what we can handle. latly my suffering has broth forth many friends and has allowed me bot to despair. We each have our oath amd u have made the best of it.

Ebb Tide said...

Lloyd- Good friends are blessings in life. I am glad you contiunue to be a nice friend.

SandyCarlson said...

I am glad you have a good doctor. That's a lovely tribute.

Ebb Tide said...

Sanday-I am happy to have a doctor like him. it's time to write a tribute about him so others would know that there are exceptional doctors.

Angel said...

You are indeed lucky to have many good friends including a doctor. May God continue to bless you.

Ebb Tide said...

Angel- thanks for thinking that I am lucky. God bless you too!

Aspiring Artist said...

You're painting is inspiring as your doctor.

Ebb Tide said...

AA- thanks. Yes, my doctor inspired me too.

irish daisies said...

your wedding album sounds wonderful!
oh my what a wonderful dr you had. I miss my colorado dr.he was very sweet and took his time with you. Its had to find someone like that./ wow you have your hearing back what a wonderful gift :)
I really love this painting you. what a great gift to give to him.

Ebb Tide said...

irish daisies- I hope you find a good doctor like the one you had in Colorado. I only got 80% of my hearing but it's good enough than being deaf. I am glad you like the Southwest painting.

dodong flores 도동 플로오리스 said...

Hi, Ma'am Ebb Tide. Finding such a doctor is a blessing from Heaven. Your tribute to him is so sweet...

Ebb Tide said...

Dodong- welcome back! Thanks for dropping by. I appreciate your comment.