Whats the hurry!

My job is one of waiting. It is not predictable and can take any amount of time that is needed. an infant being born makes it's appearance in seconds or days. Thus, I have become adept at hurrying when required but also learning a modicum of patience in others. Ironically, many would describe me as one of the most impatient people that they know, but I can honestly defend that with the response, "Only with stupidity!"
I did not come by any patience that I have easily and I think if I was to answer truthfully, any Zen attitudes that I have, I have acquired since raising Connor.
Before Connor, I was absolutely anal about being late; a leftover OCD trait from my father, who made sure we were always early. I was never without a watch on my wrist, which I checked obsessively, becoming stressed if I was even a few minutes late. Having a child with a disability will cure you of this habit quicker than any amount of therapy or chemical intervention ever could.
Physio, Occupational therapists, Physicians and clinics are never on time, constantly overbooked and understaffed. One late patient has a domino effect on the entire day. Preparing, packing and travelling with Connor was an adventure all on its own. Usually by myself or if I was lucky with Jarrett's assistance, I struggled in all weather, to load Connor, his wheelchair and myself into the van, only to face the unpredictable traffic of  Toronto. Most of the time, it was during morning or afternoon rush hour. Worrying about what time it was or how late we were, simply was not an option; at least, not one that would have allowed me to keep my sanity. So, in a swim or drown sort of choice, I gave up wearing a watch and stopped worrying about what time it was, when it would get done and whether or not I was late. Instead, I started making his appointments and outings into a kind of adventure, planning our route and time around our favorite haunts: a lunch at a special place or with special food, a shopping trip or a book reading there and back, (with the required debate along with it!), all to pass the time more pleasantly. it worked and it worked almost too well.
During the past two years, I have struggled with severe osteoarthritis, repetitive knee injuries and dislocations and finally a total knee replacement. As a result, I have spent many hours in clinics of my own, waiting again for Doctors, Physios and others. In fact, this blog was written during one such visit. However, there has also been a spillover. I am now impatient with the impatient people! I am intolerant of the sighing, toe tapping individuals in the banks or in the stores. I have few kind words for those who fail to recognize that everyone has somewhere to be and no matter how self important you think you might be, truth be told that it is just hubris. Everyone is important to someone and everyone has somewhere to be, everyone!
Why not make the most of the time while you wait? why waste it being frustrated or angry? Sing a song, read a book, plan a vacation or if you are like my husband, turn to the person next to you and talk pleasantly to them, maybe learning a thing or two!
After all, Whats the hurry?!