A Gift From Joey

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wizard

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Houston, Texas
As a physician, over the last 20 years, I have treated a group of young patients with a neurological autoimmune disease that I've written about previously...can read if you have the time. http://www.penturners.org/forum/f18/ive-missed-you-all-wizard-doc-111578/

Each of my young patients is presented with a pen at some point. Some come over with their parents and learn pen turning. I have watched them grow up and finish school and start their careers. Joey was one of those kids. He graduated at the top of his class from college...passed numerous tests and was now settling into his career as a financial advisor. Joey had been one of my most creative young ones. He had suffered as a kid but his eyes never lost their spark. He learned how to fight back. He was bullied at times and much to his parents chagrin, I told him once off the cuff "Joey, you should have just kicked that kid's butt". Well he went back to school and actually did just that. Needless to say, I got a call from his parents.

Joey, now grown and at a routine check up, indicated his interest in pen making, said "Hey Doc..I need to get some tools." I directed him to Woodcraft near his home in Dallas.


His routine appointments are scheduled for every 6 months. However, I saw him on my appointment schedule one morning 4 months early and I started to worry. My secretary just told he seemed fine when he made the last minute appointment. When I walked into the room, I noticed Joey had placed a white box on my desk. I sat down and we started to talk. He said there was nothing wrong..that he just wanted to see me early. He had a grin on his face...and pushed the box towards me and said " Hey Doc.. I did get some tools and made something. It's the first one I made. I wanted you to have it." While I was opening it...expecting a pen in the oversized box he informed me in his usual blunt fashion that pen making was boring. I smiled and finished opening the box and found a hand carved Caduceus. He had learned wood carving in the space of two months.

I was speechless..and very proud. Doc:smile:
 

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And proud you should be. You have obviously made a very positive difference in Joey's life. Congratulations, a great gift for a very deserving person. Joey is quite the artist.
 
That is somthing to be proud of , doc. I go to a pain specialist. Well about 4 months ago I found out he loves to duck hunt. His birthday was Sept. 10 so I turned him a duck call. He loved it. He is a big MSU fan so I poured maroon and white. Now overtime I see him that's all he wants to talk about.
 
Sounds like Joey is on the right path to adulthood. Hope all his medical issues get resolved.

What does he mean, "pen turning is boring"???
 
My greatest joy is seeing those I mentored in some way - just blossom! Congratulations on the fine gift and the way you helped a young boy become a young man! This world is going to be better for it!
 
Thanks for sharing - This old world still has much to be proud of, thankful for and happy about. You just reminded us that people can and often do make a difference. Thank you for your example.
 
Sometimes when you have a positive influence on another persons life,(let's call it a "blessing"), that blessing is returned in an even greater way to you. I believe you have modeled that experience perfectly with Joey.

Bill
 
Amazing story. You have definitely made a difference in some lives. Cannot place a value on something like that.
 
Amazing piece of art work and the story is precious I am sure that you will treasure it. Job well done and thanks for sharing. Stories like this always are a welcome to read. :smile:
 
Beautiful Story, Doc.

I am racking my brain trying to recall.
It was a Show, and I can't recall if it was on Radio or in the Early days of TV, in Australia.
It was called "Night Beat" and the Introduction started something like,

"This is Randy Stone, Reporter, and I cover the Night Beat for the Daily.
In this city of 4 million people, there are many stories, and this is only one of them".

As I read your Fantastic Post, that Introduction came rushing back to me.

Doc, there are many stories in your Career, and this is Only One.

Thank you Doc, you Obviously Feel and Know the Impact you have had on so many young lives, and Thanks to Joey for bringing it to the Fore with his Splendid Carving.

It is a pleasure to be associated with you via your Pen Making, and to see some the impact, you have had and are having, with so many young people, in your Professional Career.
As well as gaining a little more insight into this Magnificent Man, as well as a the Magnificent Pen Maker and Tutor.

God Bless you Doc, and All Your Precious Work.
Thank you my Friend.
Brian.
 
That is beautiful Doc. It just shows the positive impact that you have on people's entire life. Well done.
 
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