My Friend Doug

Doug is a common enough name but if you add friend to it, it takes on a new meaning. I have known this man for 44 years and our relationship has passed the test of time. We don't see each other very often but when we do we carry on the conversation left unsaid from the time before.

We have mutual interests in family, the environment, gardening and the Detroit Red Wings. We differ politically but Doug is younger so he has a few years to become a little more Liberal as he catches up to me.

Doug is a caregiver and I admire him for the manner in which he has accepted his responsibility as a husband and best friend to Patty. I would rather see him recognized for his dedication than most who receive rewards as a hero. Doug still has time to play hockey three times a week, look after several hundred trees he has selected and cares for and tries to catch fish on the beautiful Madawaska River.

Doug had a mishap this week and has taken himself out of the role as caregiver to a receiver of the same. A serious leg injury requiring surgery will keep him off his feet for a number of weeks. Right at gardening time and spring cleanup. He never complains about the role he plays nor the hand he is dealt and this setback will add another challenge to his agenda. He will have more time to watch the Wings make their way through the playoffs and keep an eye on his beautiful plot of land as it grows without his help for a while.

Patty will keep him in line to make sure he does all his physiotherapy , even though it is painful. I expect to see Doug up and around by the time I get home in May and have a visit. We will not have to worry about counting our golf scores as that is not on our agenda this summer.

Enough said Doug. Enjoy your down time and let other people help you for a change, you deserve it.