Samuel A. Kojoglanian, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Sally was at a stop light, safe in her vehicle, when a car behind her not only hit her, but thrust her vehicle into the intersection. Another car that was appropriately in the intersection struck her and that’s where the tragedy escalated.

Five minutes prior to the crash, Sally had dropped off her teenage daughter at school. They had much to say, and much to fight about, but when her daughter got out of the car, Sally said, “No matter what, you are mine. I love you now, and I will always love you.” The sweet voice coming from a kind heart broke all the chains of anger, and her daughter responded, “No matter what, I love you too mom!”

The frenzy in the hospital was intense with paramedics, nurses, doctors, and family. Sally was trying to hang on, but despite the fierce effort to resuscitate, there was no more life written in her earthly stay.

There was great sobbing, followed by much silence. There was nothing anyone could do to make this right. And there was nothing I could do to reverse the damage.

Before we shut the house door, or the office door, or the car door, or the phone, I hope our words will be filled with kindness, gentleness and goodness. I hope you and I are humble enough to say, “I’m sorry, I was wrong, and I hurt you.” I hope you and I are gracious enough to forgive. And I hope you and I speak the way Sally spoke, “No matter what, you are mine. I love you now, and I will always love you.”

Grace to you on the journey, Dr. Sam