“But what about your wife? Your kids?” I asked.
“Actually, Shelly encouraged me to do what we both feel is the right thing. As for my kids, what greater lesson can a father give over to his children? Instead of trying to teach them about sacrificing for others, I can actually be a living example!”
Wow! I was stunned. Completely awed. Whatever words I used to express my thanks to the doctor were inadequate. And after trying for a while I simply gave up. We finished up the call by making up a time for us to meet at his office.
As it turned out to be, I was, Baruch Hashem, extremely lucky. After examining me and running some tests, Dr. Pollack told me that I was going to be okay and there was nothing serious for me to worry about.
My story could have ended here – but Hakadosh Baruch Hu is the Master storyteller. And here is the twist I’d like to share with you.
The very next day, I received another call from Dr. Pollack. I immediately detected something in his voice. He sounded shaken.
“Mrs. N. I want you to know that you had the zechus to save another woman’s life!
Here is the story Dr. Pollack told me.
That day before, as Dr. Pollack was examining me, another woman called him complaining of a throbbing pain in her neck. Dr. Pollack advised her to see an ENT and told her that afterwards she should come see him as well. The ENT diagnosed an infection in her neck and prescribed antibiotics. The woman was still unsettled and came to the office to see Dr. Pollack as well.
Dr. Pollack saw something totally different than the ENT and suggested a totally different treatment – which is what the woman actually needed. Had she not come to see him…well who knows what would have been.
How wondrous are the ways of Hashem. He, in His infinite kindness and wisdom sent Dr. Pollack back into his office, because of me – or so it seemed. But we were lucky to find out the real reason behind Dr. Pollack’s benevolent act of gemilas chesed.