My wife is always reminding me that I’m not very patient. I agree that I have to work in that area of my life, especially with her.

Other times I’m impatient is in traffic, or when someone drags out a short story with every insignificant detail.

I also dread doctor’s appointments. Tuesday was one of those days. I had a 9:20 a.m. appointment with Dr. Aslett at the eye clinic for a routine examination that I had been putting off. I had a very pleasant greeting from Mallory Cortez, the receptionist.

I picked up a magazine to read for what I thought would be a boring, impatient wait. As I took a seat, I noticed Warner Triche, a friend I grew up with in Reserve. Warner is one of the last die-hard Tulane fans. In my opinion, Tulane de-emphasized football a few years ago without notifying the fans. We chatted about old times, and in walks Mr. Gilbert Henry and his wife of 62 years, Semay.

They have always been one of my favorite couples. One thing about Mrs. Henry is that you don’t have to initiate the conversation. She will. She was a teacher at St. Peter School in Reserve for 27 years and taught three of my four children in the 2nd grade. She reminded me of the time my son, Matt, went to the eye doctor, and when asked if he had trouble seeing the blackboard, he answered, “Yes.” The next question to Matt was, “When do you have the most trouble?” He replied, “When the teacher stands in front of it.” Mrs. Henry never forgot that.

I was then called by Debra, one of the assistants. She gave me all the tests and dilated my eyes. I then returned to the waiting room to wait for 20 to 30 minutes.

Within a few minutes, another school friend of mine, Annette Breaud Donaldson, walked in. She looked great, and I told her so. We grew up together, and I remember her sons being very good baseball players at Destrehan High School.

While the Henrys, Warner, Annette and I were talking, in walks Rosalyn “Totsy” Brady. “Totsy” is married to Armand Brady, an ex-Marine. She said Armand enjoys the Memorial Day service that Get High on Life sponsors. She shared how he takes so much pride in his Marine Corps tour of duty. Laughingly, she said, “We have Marine Corps caps all over the house. He wants to put them on display.”

Then, my wife walks in for her 10:30 a.m. appointment.

In the course of our group discussion, I said something to which Annette responded, “Harold, you’re full of bull.” My wife laughed, enjoyed the comment and agreed.

I then saw the doctor and when I was finished told the group how much I enjoyed the visit.

On your way out, the last person you see is my friend, Rose McDuffie, who is in charge of the billing and always has a pleasant disposition.

Needless to say, my doctor’s visit was far from boring.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.