Communicate
Posted 04-26-2011 at 09:17 AM by Off~Site Secretary
By: Melissa Rahko, Your Off~Site Secretary
“Why is that man sitting there?”
The elderly gentleman had entered the pediatric dentist office wearing a red coat and winter hat, each emblazoned with a white “W”. The staff knew him. “Hi, Dave,” the receptionist had said. “I hope next time you are wearing your baseball cap!”
He struck up a conversation with a dad waiting for his little girl. The dad happily discussed the Minnesota Twins with him. Dave was friendly, affable, and obviously at ease in the waiting room of a pediatric dentist. He seemed familiar to me, but I did not know him. I was the stranger there, having driven to this specialist from my own community.
After my daughter was called in to her appointment, I was left with my mind wandering back and forth between the questions:
They spoke to each other in a language that I did not understand. Dave provided the necessary communication between the family and staff. Dave was an interpreter, but for some reason I could not remember the word interpreter. This new information did not, however, clue me in to why he seemed familiar to me. I’m not a Twins fan, not a University of Wisconsin alumnus; only speak one language, not from his town… So, I let it go.
My daughter emerged from her treatment and I knew she would be just fine. As we went through the final paperwork, I was able to observe Dave one last time. He helped the mom and young daughter with their words, but did not overstep his duties to try to take over or inject his own opinion. It was an interesting scene and I marveled at how efficiently he provided assistance.
It was at that moment my brain shouted at me, “He is just like you!” My brain would not give me the word interpreter; instead it provided “Communication Assistant.” Finally, it was the answer to my last question! I was able to sense in him the same qualities I have found within myself. I, too, am a Communication Assistant. The difference is the language that I help to communicate; it is my clients’ dialog… their goals, their vision, their words. Dave feels fulfilled when he does his communication job well. I could read that on his face – the same face I see in the mirror.
“Why is that man sitting there?”
The elderly gentleman had entered the pediatric dentist office wearing a red coat and winter hat, each emblazoned with a white “W”. The staff knew him. “Hi, Dave,” the receptionist had said. “I hope next time you are wearing your baseball cap!”
He struck up a conversation with a dad waiting for his little girl. The dad happily discussed the Minnesota Twins with him. Dave was friendly, affable, and obviously at ease in the waiting room of a pediatric dentist. He seemed familiar to me, but I did not know him. I was the stranger there, having driven to this specialist from my own community.
After my daughter was called in to her appointment, I was left with my mind wandering back and forth between the questions:
- Is my daughter ok back there?
- Why is that man here all by himself?
- Why is that man familiar to me?
They spoke to each other in a language that I did not understand. Dave provided the necessary communication between the family and staff. Dave was an interpreter, but for some reason I could not remember the word interpreter. This new information did not, however, clue me in to why he seemed familiar to me. I’m not a Twins fan, not a University of Wisconsin alumnus; only speak one language, not from his town… So, I let it go.
My daughter emerged from her treatment and I knew she would be just fine. As we went through the final paperwork, I was able to observe Dave one last time. He helped the mom and young daughter with their words, but did not overstep his duties to try to take over or inject his own opinion. It was an interesting scene and I marveled at how efficiently he provided assistance.
It was at that moment my brain shouted at me, “He is just like you!” My brain would not give me the word interpreter; instead it provided “Communication Assistant.” Finally, it was the answer to my last question! I was able to sense in him the same qualities I have found within myself. I, too, am a Communication Assistant. The difference is the language that I help to communicate; it is my clients’ dialog… their goals, their vision, their words. Dave feels fulfilled when he does his communication job well. I could read that on his face – the same face I see in the mirror.
Total Comments 3
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You are a great story teller, but I'm wondering... what does the white "W" represent?
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Thanks, Rhonda. The "W" was for Wisconsin - University of Wisconsin based in Madison. Thanks for reading
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As always a very descriptive and wonderful story that takes you from beginning to end. You always find things in everyday life that help you in your business. Good going, Melissa
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