I don’t know how many of you keep in touch with the doctor who delivered you, or your childhood pediatrician, but the Hirschman’s do, even if those doctors live on the other side of the world.
We were invited to have lunch at Andy and Sarah’s pediatrician’s house. I would write her name, but have no idea how to spell it. I know it starts with a V, so we’ll go with Dr. V. She is 90 years old, looks like she’s 80, and is sharp as a tack.
We were offered drinks; lemon tea, Coke, or mountain drink. The kids all chose mountain drink, thinking it was Mountain Dew. It was a very sweet caramel flavored drink, definitely not Mountain Dew, but it was tasty.
I sat in amazement listening to Dr. V tell stories of taking care of sick children. She spoke of the importance of love and psychological well-being, as well as tending to their physical needs. I could have listened to her speak for hours.
A huge Indian lunch was served with no less than ten dishes. This was probably my favorite meal since we have been here. I can’t even begin to imagine how long it would take to prepare a meal of that magnitude.
After lunch we were joined by the doctor, who delivered Sarah, and his wife. There were many more stories told, of which I only heard bits and pieces from the other room. But I do know this, all women like talking about childbirth and labor, whether American, Indian, or British. I suppose I could have jumped in with my own stories, but remember how I like to experience childbirth? I decided to sit this one out.
Our evening ended back at Charles and Jo’s house for another very large meal. I feel like I am constantly eating. Maybe that’s because I am. Many of their friends came from all over to visit, a couple of them we have even met before in Seattle.
All of the people we have met here have been very friendly and welcoming.
