Life Is "A GAS!"...by Jim Terry

This year seems to have become an entire BUST hasn’t it? “Shelter at home orders,” opening and closing of businesses, job losses, mask wearing, social interaction that is much more difficult, and questions like, “Do we send our kids back to school?” Just yesterday, that day before Halloween, I found myself also in a dilemma…Do I dress up or don’t I for this day called Halloween?

For those of you who know me, I tend to be an eternal optimist. The glass is NEVER half empty but should be full and overflowing. So with my positive energy, I mustered up the nerve to get out the old wig, the funky glasses, the peace necklace, the bandana, the old t-shirt that states, “I smell hippies” on it and I was able to recreate what may have been a similar look to those who participated in or contributed to Woodstock years ago.

As I got to work, I decided not to enter the office as I normally do but to ring the doorbell just like all of our patients are doing right now to have their temperature taken prior to entering the office.

Now keep in mind I have on my “getup” on and also a medical mask as required to enter our facility. Our front office coordinator came to the front door and asked if I had an appointment. So with a much higher tone in my voice I said, “I have an appointment with Jim.” In thinking that my falsetto would have given me away, I was a bit surprised when she continued and then asked me my name. I said, “Harmony Johnson.”

She then closed the door and left to “go check the schedule” as she thought they “did not have an appointment for me today.” With a little bit of time passing and trying to stay in character, she came back to the door with the doctor the next time. She said, “I’m sorry we don’t have you on the schedule today or as a patient. Are you sure you

are in the right location?“

With this being said, I, unfortunately, was NOT able to stay in character any longer and started laughing which gave my disguise away. This truly was the moment in time and in this year of COVID that will be remembered, treasured and appreciated…by ALL parties involved. We laughed all day about it and when it was time to leave for the day the front office said, “goodbye Harmony.” ☺

So have fun and be safe on this holiday. It comes but once a year. And if by chance you see or “smell a hippie,” those tree-huggers, coming your way, instead of asking them their name or if they have an appointment, maybe just say something like “You’re groovy!” “Peace out” or “Man, that’s far-out and neato swag you’re wearing!” And always remember, even in times of turmoil like we have all experienced this year, that life is still “A GAS!”

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

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