A sweet old lady picked up the phone beside her hospital bed and called the main number for St. Joseph’s Hospital.

When the operator answered, the old lady spoke in a soft, timid voice.

“Excuse me, dear,” she said. “Would it be possible to speak with someone who can tell me how a patient is doing?”

“Of course,” the operator replied kindly. “What is the patient’s name and room number?”

The old lady cleared her throat. “Norma Findlay, room 302.”

“One moment, please,” said the operator. “Let me check with the nurse on that floor.”

The old lady waited quietly on hold.

A few minutes later, the operator came back on the line sounding cheerful.

“I have good news. The nurse says Norma Findlay is doing very well. Her blood pressure is normal, her blood work came back fine, and Dr. Cohen has scheduled her to be discharged on Tuesday.”

The old lady let out a relieved sigh.

“Oh, thank you, dear. That is wonderful news. I was so worried. God bless you.”

“You’re very welcome,” the operator said warmly. “Is Norma your mother?”

The old lady paused, then replied,

“No, dear. I’m Norma Findlay in room 302. No one tells me anything.”