I'd Like a Cookie

I walked into my patient's room and gathered up what was left of his dinner tray.

"Is there anything else I get for you?" I asked before leaving the room.

"Yeah, I think I'd like a cookie," he said.

I glanced at his chart to check which diet the doctor had ordered for him.

"It says here you are diabetic so I actually can't get you a cookie," I sadly replied.

"Does it also say there that I'm 80?" he asked.

I thought about it for a second.

"We have sugar cookies, oatmeal cookies and chocolate chip," I replied.

"I'll take a chocolate chip," he answered with a smile and a nod.

This guy had worked hard, stayed active and been healthy for 8 decades. He was 80 yet looked 60. Even though he had diabetes for the last half of his life he was the fittest patient on the floor. I think he had earned his right to have a cookie. Good life lesson.