It's all about who you know

We leave for Iowa City tomorrow for Brian's appointment to see a GI specialist. Today, My Aunt calls to tell me she called the nurse of the doctor Bri is seeing (turns out my aunt used to be her teacher in nursing school or something crazy like that). Auntie Doris called nurse Mary to tell her that tomorrow's appointment at 2:30 was her niece's husband and sure enough, Mary said they already knew Brian was her "nephew" and gave Doris a hard time that two of her family members were ending up in a GI specialist office.

Mary said she had been reviewing his file and would see him tomorrow and gave Doris some advice to pass along to us.

"But how did she know he was your relative, Auntie Doris?" I asked.

" I'm not real sure", Doris replied. Perhaps it was Becky who called the doc and gave them warning we were coming. Or maybe it was Doris' old friend, Bev who is a GI nurse herself and follows this blog and found out we were headed her way. Who knows.

"Your dad would be proud no matter what" Doris said.

It's true. Dad, a career councelor for 35 years always told us, always beat into our heads that it's all about who you know. Personal connections. Contacts. Handshakes. Eye Contact. Conversations. Remembering names. Connecting later.

We are in good hands tomorrow. My cousin Becky has already seen Dr. Johlin. His nurse is my aunt's former student. A friend works in the department. And all of them know we are coming and who we are and assure us we will be loved and taken care of. We are blessed. My girlfriend, Stephanie used to be a NP in GI at Carle and she called ahead to be sure we got the best care there and now we are being provided for again.

I challenge you to follow my dad's advice and be aware of the contact you are making now. The people you are meeting, the hands you are shaking. You never know when you might need a favor or need to help a friend or family member out by making a call or sending an e-mail for someone. It makes all the difference in the world and we are so grateful! Thanks everyone! We'll keep you updated on what happens!