The New OB Visit

This is totally not my belly and I do not claim any sort of connection to this woman or her perfectly tanned stretch mark-less life.

After much research, and surveying, and prayer, I chose a new OB. This was a big decision for me since I have had the same doctor for all of our three babies. But, some significant changes in his office, and a general feeling of discomfort, caused me to seek out someone new.

When I entered Dr. Owens' office, I was at first concerned. After the glitzy marble-filled previous office, this one was...different. The decor was dated, the nurses not...plastic. This office was less than perfect in appearance. "Hmmph," was my first thought.

I was asked by the pleasant staff for my insurance card and after scrounging in my wallet, it was no where to be found. My insurance card has not left my wallet for years. This was odd. So I took a deep breath and had a little talk with God. "If this less than perfectly decorated office is not where I am supposed to be for the care of this baby, show me."

I told the staff I would go look in the car, but in my heart and prayers, I knew there was no reason it would be there. As I walked to the car, I said, "If this is where I am supposed to be Lord, I will find my card in the car. If not, I will take it as a sign."

I opened the van door and my insurance card was right there in plain view. "Ok God, this is what you want for us."

I found the staff to be friendly and genuine, and most had been there for years, some even for decades. This was a major difference from the previous office which had lost and gained an entire staff yearly it seemed. This doctor must be pretty awesome to keep this loyal staff.

As it turned out, Dr. Owens IS wonderful. He was genuine, personal and gentle. He seemed authenticaly interested in the fact that our last baby weighed 10 lbs 2 oz., and came into the world in a dramatic, painful, and swift two hours of labor. He wanted to make sure I was feeling well, that I drank plenty of water and ate a balanced diet. I'm sure he says that to everyone, but no one had really ever directly said that to me before and I liked it.

As we heard the heartbeat together, I was thankful for this comfortable Christian man sharing the moment with me. He said the risks of miscarriage are significantly less after you hear the baby's heartbeat. I was thankful for that, and for the fact that he looked at my chart, which indicated a miscarriage in between Kya and Wyatt's briths.

I also found out that he is a member of a barber shop quartet! I mentioned to the nurses, who feigned interest, that I had also been a barber shop quartet singer. Why do I share stupid information about myself with perfect strangers? I think I just need more adult interraction.

Anyhow, when I left, I glanced around the less than perfect office and realized that this genuine, caring and authentic doctor and his staff knew that the important thing was their patient care, not their decor. I realized that this was another in the series of recent lessons I have learned.

Decoration is just that. Appearances can be terribly deceiving. And great people are not defined by their clothing, possessions, or decor. The heart is not reflected in marble countertops or travertine tile, but in behavior and attitude.

What a blessing...I got a great life lesson, a precious opportunity to bond with the little beating heart in my womb, and a great doctor all in one visit. Thanks God.